Italy lost 26-16 to Ireland last weekend, while England came out on top against defending champions Wales with an emphatic 47-13 scoreline.

Despite being the tournament underdogs, Italys display against the Irish gave them hope of offloading the wooden spoon onto someone else this year.

Well face the English on Saturday, after a good display against the Ireland which was vital for us. We are fit and in good form and ready to battle, Castrogiovanni said.

England are playing near their best, and last Saturday they showed how good they are. They are going onto the pitch knowing how good our scrum is, but we must still play at our very best to stop them.

I'm sure if we are concentrating and go in without any fear we can be a problem to them, but we must play our best game so far to get something positive on Saturday, he added.

The Argentina-born prop has recently signed for Leicester Tigers and is delighted to be able to get the chance to play for such a prestigious club.

I signed for Leicester for next season and I'm looking forward to playing for them, he said.

When I was young I always dreamed of playing for a great team, like them, who are well known around the world.