Wilkinson's new mark - he now stands on 421 points - could not deflect from an England display punctuated by handling mistakes, poor tactical kicking and a chronic lack of quick ball.

It was a huge disappointment after the 42-20 Calcutta Cup mauling of Scotland last Saturday, and gave Six Nations favourites Ireland - England's next opponents in Dublin on February 24 - little reason to suffer sleepless nights.

Wilkinson inevitably kicked his goals, but the Newcastle star's general play lacked authority, while England were comfortably matched in the scrums and around the pitch, where Italian blindside flanker Josh Sole delivered an inspired display.

Centre Andy Farrell, making only a second union Test appearance, was England's most accomplished player.

The former Great Britain rugby league skipper's organisation helped England through several sticky moments and, while flanker Magnus Lund and scrum-half Harry Ellis also offered some impressive touches, the world champions coughed and spluttered.

Italy gave their hosts a severe examination which served as a deafening wake-up call for those who thought England had turned the corner following their demolition of Scotland.

Head coach Brian Ashton will be left distinctly unimpressed by what unfolded in front of him.

Apart from wing Jason Robinson's well-worked first-half try, England were devoid of ideas in attack, and Italy encountered few problems absorbing their threat, soaking up pressure as if a giant sponge had enveloped Twickenham.

Italy 'won' the second period 7-6, and England must take a long, hard look at themselves, especially in the forwards, where their pack lacked punch and power.

And they will also need to look again at their attacking options, which were not helped by full-back Iain Balshaw's 37th-minute departure through injury.

The Italians suffered an injury blow on 24 minutes when Stade Francais wing Denis Dallan was carried off nursing an ankle injury but England continued to huff and puff without blowing the house down.

Skipper Marco Bortolami was sin-binned three minutes before half-time by Welsh referee Nigel Owens for a professional foul, and despite Iain Balshaw limping off with what appeared to be a recurrence of his recent groin trouble - Mathew Tait replaced him - England struck.

Quickly recycled possession meant England knew they could strike out wide, and the impressive Farrell's long pass was flicked on by Josh Lewsey, sending Robinson over for his 25th Test try and third in this season's championship. Wilkinson`s conversion from out wide missed the target.

The visitors gained their reward for frustrating England after 65 minutes when a flowing move ended in Andrea Scanavacca touching down unopposed between the posts. The Calvisano fly-half converted his try.