England's impressive Jonny Wilkinson-inspired victory over Scotland last weekend raised expectancy levels at the start of World Cup year after a prolonged and painful struggle throughout 2006, illustrated by just three wins from 11 games.

And with England averaging almost a half-century against Italy since the Azzurri joined European rugby's blue riband event in 2000, another points blitz has been widely predicted.

Lewsey and company, though, are prepared for a gruelling afternoon's slog at the coalface, especially given a weather forecast of cold, wet conditions.

And the fact exactly half of Italy's matchday 22 tomorrow play in top-flight English or French league rugby has not been lost on an England side containing one new cap - Harlequins flanker Nick Easter.

Lewsey said: 'We realise that when the Italian players began moving to the English and French leagues, they would get stronger.

'They also have one of the shrewdest coaches in Pierre Berbizier. We are certainly not under-estimating them, and I hope the crowd are not either.

'It is supposed to be a cold, wet day tomorrow, so I hope people are patient. We will need to be pragmatic at first, and if that means winning ugly then so be it, as long as we win.

'Accuracy and execution are our priority. Don't expect us to be involved in some kind of sevens affair - it will be a real dogfight.'

Italy's three previous Six Nations visits to Twickenham left them on the wrong end of an aggregate 159-35 scoreline, while in 36 Championship games, they have yet to record an away win.

And their immediate form guide hardly makes for encouraging reading either - a 39-3 home defeat against France last weekend - yet England wing Lewsey remains cautious.

He added: 'I think Italy will be very confrontational against us. They have (scrum-half) Alessandro Troncon back, who is vastly experienced, and they will want to take us on up front.

'The Scotland game was hugely enjoyable last week, and when you have a guy like Jonny in your ranks you can build a score.

'Everyone is enjoying what is effectively a fresh start, and trying not to look back on last year at all. I don't want to be looking backwards - enough has been said and written about that.'