The World Cup finalists triumphed through early tries by wing Paul Sackey and centre Toby Flood, while fly-half Jonny Wilkinson booted 13 points to pass 1,000 for England.

But, as against Wales at Twickenham last weekend when they blew a 19-6 lead and lost by seven points, England this time almost saw a 20-6 interval lead wiped out.

Substitute scrum-half Simon Picone claimed a late try when he charged down a kick from Wilkinson’s replacement Danny Cipriani, and full-back David Bortolussi’s conversion - he also kicked four penalties - caused panic in English ranks.

Wilkinson helped England make an explosive start when the Newcastle star gathered his own kick into space, then sent wing Sackey sprinting clear to the line for a brilliantly-conceived and executed try.

England’s fly-half nonchalantly landed the touchline conversion, and although Bortolussi replied by booting a long-range penalty, England could feel pleased with the initial flurries.

Italy though were quick to use their forwards, and when Lesley Vainikolo was penalised for not releasing possession inside his own 22, Bortolussi kicked the three points.

It was a timely reminder to England of Italy’s threat in the game, but the visitors came up trumps with a second try in the 15th minute.

Centre Jamie Noon charged down Bortolussi’s attempted clearance, and when he found Wilkinson in support, Noon’s midfield partner Flood looped around cleverly to claim his second touchdown in successive Six Nations Tests.

Wilkinson’s conversion brought up his 1,000 points, and England led 14-6 before Bortolussi drifted a drop-goal attempt wide.

Wilkinson missed a chance to inch England further ahead when he rifled an angled penalty attempt wide but he made amends for that miss by slotting a penalty eight minutes before half-time, and with Italy struggling for quality possession he added another three minutes before the break.

England were pegged back immediately after the interval when Bortolussi completed his penalty hat-trick.

Italy sensed they could perhaps get back in the contest, and it took a 40-metre Wilkinson touchfinder to keep the Azzurri out of England’s half.

The hosts, not before time, raised the tempo following a laboured first-half display and Bortolussi slotted a fourth penalty from an ensuing infringement, narrowing the gap to eight points.

Wilkinson’s third successful penalty made it 23-12 with 20 minutes left but England needed another try to take the game totally away from Italy.

Coach Brian Ashton felt he could take off Wilkinson with 13 minutes still remaining, giving Cipriani a chance to pull the strings.

Italy though were just a converted try away from causing possible panic in English ranks and the visitors could not relax.

The try arrived three minutes from time Picone charged down Cipriani’s attempted clearance to gallop clear.

Bortolussi slotted the extras, and England - once again - were left hanging on, but this time they managed to claim the win.