On the eve of their departure for London to face the world champions at Twickenham, flanker Mauro Bergamasco and centre Andrea Masi have been ruled out through injury.

Overmach Parma flanker Robert Barber and Calvisano youngster Matteo Pratichetti have been called up instead.

Italian fly-half Andrea Scanavacca will look to repeat the performance that saw him score 13 points against England six years ago when the teams clash on Saturday.

The 33-year-old Scanavacca recalls the encounter which England won 80-23 back in south-west London in 2001, three days prior to their second Six Nations meeting.

'I remember I didn't play in my role that day but that became my game,' said Scanavacca.

'My first memory of that game was my first kick, I looked up and saw in between the posts a wave of white shirts, 80,000 fans, but I told myself: Andrea, kick the ball and score.'

Scanavacca had to be replaced after only 12 minutes in last Saturday's Six Nations opener against France after sustaining a knock on his ribs and it was not a good start to the campaign for the hosts.

Italy went on to lose 39-3 at the Stadio Flaminio.

Scanavacca is ready to play in England although he has not yet fully recovered.

'I am definitely better,' he said. 'I have a muscular problem and I do feel pain at times. I've had some treatment in the last couple of days and I feel better.'

Regarding Saturday's encounter at Twickenham, Scanavacca admits Italy must eradicate the blunders they made in their opener against France.

He said: 'We have to make sure we don't make the same mistakes we did against France.

'We are aware that we are a strong team and in London we will play like the real Italy.'