Kat Merchant
2014 England World Cup winner on BBC iPlayer

England are starting to show their flair, its the first time they have strung pieces of play together. Credit to the Italian defence as well, they are having to put in some really big hits.

Megan Jones bursts clear before being well tackled by the covering Italian defence.

The ball is turned over and Italy are back in possession. The hosts have started well.

Amy Cokayne clears out in the ruck and wins a penalty as Italy try to scramble back possession off their feet.

Italy spill the ball forward but they have the advantage because of a high tackle in the build-up.

There are some big hits going in early on.

England show their intent to move the ball into midfield early on, but Emily Scarratt is unable to hold the pass and knocks on.

We are under way...

Kat Merchant
2014 England World Cup winner on BBC iPlayer

Both teams are such energetic teams and when they come together we see great rugby. Italy play with physicality and they might just rile England.

We've just had a two-minute silence in tribute to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who died yesterday.

Here's a look at how the hosts line-up...

Italy: Furlan; Muzzo, Sillari, Rigoni, Magatti; Madia, Barattin; Skofca, Cammarano, Gai, Fedrighi, Duca, Arrighetti, Franco, Giordano

Replacements: Bettoni, Maris, Seye, Locatelli, Veronese, Sgorbini, Stefan, D'Inca

Image source, Getty Images

England centre Emily Scarratt says having a final in this year's reformatted Women's Six Nations could help the side's World Cup preparations.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, teams will have two pool games and a final rather than playing all of the other five teams.

Covid-19 also forced the postponement of the World Cup until 2022.

"You do not get a final very often in our calendar," Scarratt told BBC Radio 5 Live's Rugby Union Weekly.

Read more here.

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With the World Cup postponed until next year, England head coach Simon Middleton says the trip to Italy is an opportunity to "rotate the squad.

"This game in Italy gives us an opportunity to look at some other combinations and we've decided to rotate the squad," said Middleton, whose side will travel to New Zealand for the World Cup in 2022.

"We're delighted to have Sarah Hunter back in the team.

"She loves playing for her country and has worked so hard to get back playing."

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England captain Sarah Hunter will return for the first time in 13 months as head coach Simon Middleton makes sweeping changes for Saturday's Women's Six Nations match in Italy.

Hunter - back in action after a neural injury and hamstring strain - is one of 10 alterations to the XV that started the 52-10 win against Scotland.

England: Kildunne; Breach, Scarratt (vice-capt), Jones, Dow; Rowland, Riley; Cornborough, Cokayne, Brown, Aldcroft, O'Donnell, Matthews, Fleetwood, Hunter (capt).

Replacements: Davies, Botterman, B Cleall, Millar-Mills, Cleall, MacDonald, Harrison, McKenna.

Image source, Getty Images

The equation is simple.

Victory for England will secure a spot in the Women's Six Nations final...

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Stay tuned for live text updates...