Italy, on the other hand, have followed up their morale-boosting opening victory against les Bleus with defeats to Scotland and Wales and find themselves in sixth place in the table.

England have the added incentive of knowing that a big winning margin would boost their chances of clinching the RBS 6 Nations title, even if they were to lose their final match against Wales in Cardiff.

But Masi, who will come up against a few familiar faces having joined Wasps in the summer, insists Italy will not be waving the white flag.

“We know it will be very tough but we have to make sure our defence is good and we make it as difficult as possible for them,” said Masi, who has been playing at full-back for Italy in this year’s Championship.

“They are a very good side, but we have improved under Jacques [Brunel] and hopefully will push them hard.”

Masi, who was named man of the match in Italy’s historic RBS 6 Nations victory over France in 2011, has already featured in three World Cups, having made his debut for the Azzurri.

But he has high hopes of making it a fourth at England 2015.

“My aim is to reach the next World Cup with Italy,” he added. “I have to make sure I keep playing well if I am going to do that, starting with the game against England.”