England skipper Neil Back has promised that his side will not underestimate Italy in Rome on Sunday.

Back, who will win his 50th cap when he leads the side out at the Flaminio Stadium, commented, "It is important to be disciplined because they have a world class goalkicker who will turn penalties into points," said Back.

"We want to keep 15 men on the pitch because Italy will represent a huge challenge.

"They have scored more tries against us recently than any other team - and that includes Australia and South Africa. Even though they have lost all their matches, they have run teams close."

Brad Johnstone's men have yet to win a match in this season's competition and Back has no intention of letting the break their duck.

"I'm not comparing Italy with Romania, but that was a game we were expected to win and we were very ruthless in achieving the result we did," said the 34-year-old back-row.

"We got a few penalties early on which we could have kicked to the corner, but instead we put points on the board.

"That was partly because you have to respect your opponents but also because I wanted to build a score in the early stages to give us a platform for later on. That is what I intend to do on Sunday.

"It doesn't matter who your opponents are, if you don't get the basics absolutely right you will not succeed."

Italy have flattered to deceive so far this term, matching every team for prolonged periods, only to lose out as the intensity increased.

However, England need little reminding that on their previous visit to the Stadio Flaminio two years ago, they were rocked by a first-half Italian onslaught which briefly threatened a shock win until the visitors surged away after the interval for a 59-12 win, with Back becoming the first English forward ever to land a drop-goal.

And, though they have lost 13 successive championship matches since beating Scotland in 2000, Italy also have two undoubted stars in prolific stand-off Diego Dominguez and Back's opposite number Mauro Bergamasco, one of the most talented players in the competition.

"Mauro Bergamasco is a fantastic player with quick hands and we can't afford to let him flourish. It doesn't need me to say that he needs to be subdued."

Back also welcomed the return of flanker Lawrence Dallaglio.

"If I miss one game I'm really up for the next one, so I can only imagine how Lawrence felt after missing nine months," said Back, about to collect his fourth successive Premiership title with Leicester.

"It didn't surprise me that he was in such good shape. All he is short of now is match fitness. He has the quality and deserves his place in the squad."