Kirwan sprang no surprises with Ramiro Pez, as expected, winning the number 10 jersey in place of Diego Dominguez, who is being rested even though he played for club side Stade Francais at the weekend.

With Cristian Stoica ruled out through injury it is Giovanni Raineri who will partner Paolo Vaccari in the centre with winger Mauro Bergamasco recovered from the bug that has hampered him this week.

Scott Palmer and Andrea Masi will travel with the 24-man squad to Twickenham but will be confined to the stands.

Italy kicked off their campaign with a 30-22 victory over Wales and then lost 37-13 to Ireland, both matches being played at the Stadio Flaminio.

Sunday's match will be a 75,000 sell-out at Twickenham.

Italy team: Mirco Bergamasco; Mauro Bergamasco, P Vaccari, G Raineri, D Dallan; R Pez, A Troncon (capt); G De Carli, C Festuccia, R Martinez, C Bezzi, M Giacheri, A De Rossi, A Persico, M Phillips.

Replacements: F Ongaro, L Castrogiovanni, A Lo Cicero, M Bortolami, M Mazzantini, G Peens, N Mazzucato.