Coach John Kirwan has made a number of changes to his starting line-up for the Twickenham encounter as Italy seek to open their account in this years tournament.

Gert Peens has been brought in as a goal-kicking full-back, Salvatore Perugini comes in for Leandro Castrogiovanni in the front row, winger Kaine Robertson deputises for Mirco Bergamasco, who has been shifted to centre, while lock Carlo Antonio Del Fava makes his first start for Italy.

Checchinato believes the players coming in will improve Italys prospects of claiming what would be a sensational win over the world champions with both countries still battling to avoid the wooden spoon.

This appears to be a good team, he said. It is solid but fast, with (Ludovico) Nitoglia and Robertson able to run well on the wings.

Also, Salvatore Perugini has gained a first start after playing well as a substitute and impressing in the November Test matches.

We are confident in Gert Peens kicks delivering the points we are missing at present and we are giving a chance for lock Carlos Antonio Del Fava to form a partnership with captain Marco Bortolami and make a strong pairing in our side.

With both sides without a win in any of their three games so far, the match could decide where the wooden spoon ends up this year.

Italy will start as rank outsiders - but Checchinato feels the Azzurri have nothing to lose.

A defeat against the English would be normal for us but if anything comes our way, I'm sure we will be ready to take our chances, he said.

Italy team for RBS 6 Nations match against England at Twickenham on Saturday:

G Peens (LAquila); K Robertson (Viadana), M Bergamasco (Stade Francais), A Masi (Viadana), L Nitoglia (Calvisano); L Orquera (Padova), A Troncon (Treviso); A Lo Cicero (L'Aquila), F Ongaro (Treviso), S Perugini (Calvisano), CA Del Fava (Rugby Parma), M Bortolami (Narbonne, capt), A Persico (Agen), D dal Maso (Treviso), S Parisse (Treviso).

Replacements: G Intoppa (Calvisano), M Castrogiovanni (Calvisano), M Savi (Viadana), S Dellape (Agen), S Orlando (Treviso), P Griffen (Calvisano), M Barbini (Padova)