Berbizier has kept faith with the same team that ran Ireland close in Dublin last weekend before losing 26-16 in their RBS 6 Nations curtain-raiser.

The only change to the squad has come on the bench with flanker Silvio Orlando replacing Aaron Persico.

Berbizier has called for another big effort from his team against England.

The Italy boss accepts this weeks opponents present an even bigger challenge than Ireland, but he has asked for more of the same at the Stadio Flaminio.

''To be realistic, we are facing a squad at a superior level and if they play to the best of their capabilities, it will be very difficult for us, said the former France coach.

Our task remains, like against Ireland, to express all our potential and be ready to exploit every mistake on their part.

Against the Irish we succeeded in stopping the opposing attacks. We should do the same against England, but we cannot limit ourselves to defending.

If we do that then it could be a dangerous mistake, sooner or later they would find the right moment to punish us.

We should challenge them in every situation of the game. We are going to face the reigning world champions with the same spirit that we prepared for the Ireland match with.

England have struggled to rebuild their team following their 2003 World Cup triumph but showed signs of returning to their best in last weeks overwhelming victory against Wales.

They have been installed as the new tournament favourites after Scotlands surprise defeat of France and Berbizier has even tipped them to defend their World Cup crown.

But Berbizier insists that Italy too are committed to developing a competitive side during this years RBS 6 Nations.

''In every competition, our aim is to gain experience, to improve our game and to see how much we have improved after every match, he added.

We are still a bit distant from the big teams, but it doesn't matter to me, we must stay concentrated on Saturdays game. We should use all our forces to be the best team on the pitch.

''Last Saturday against Wales I saw an England team at a very high level. They played at their best and left nothing for an opponent which had won the Grand Slam last year.

''That means we must approach them very carefully because I believe they already have a positive spirit. They are nearly ready for the next World Cup, when Andy Robinsons squad should defend the title they won in Australia.

I also believe that against us they will want to show everybody else they are the favourites to win this RBS 6 Nations tournament.''

Italy team to face England in Rome on Saturday:

C Stoica; P Canavosio, G Canale, Mirco Bergamasco, L Nitoglia; R Pez, P Griffen; S Perugini, F Ongaro, C Nieto, S Dellape, Bortolami, J Sole, Mauro Bergamasco, S Parisse.

Replacements: C Festuccia, A Lo Cicero, M Castrogiovanni, C Del Fava, S Orlando, S Picone, R Wakarua.