Italy celebrate scoring their late try

The Italians found themselves 33-0 down after just 20 minutes but they overcame that shock to battle their way back into the game, eventually losing 40-5.

"It is a young side and I thought they showed a lot of heart and commitment," Kirwan said.

But he warned: "We cannot wait for 20 minutes until we start playing.

"We were getting too many people in at the contact point in the opening 20 minutes but we sorted that out and had more people ready for defence."

This match was important as to how our game is developing Italy coach John Kirwan Reaction from the England camp

Kirwan expects England to go on and contest a Six Nations decider against Ireland in Dublin but he refused to predict the outcome for Clive Woodward's team.

He said: "I think Clive would be the opposite to me today. I think he would be very happy with the first 20 minutes but not the next 60.

"I believe England can go on and set themselves up for a fantastic finale against Ireland.

"Clive's programme is on track but, at this level, if I was to give you a prediction I would be an idiot."

Kirwan, who took over as coach this season, says he is seeing an improvement.

Match report: England 40-5 Italy

"We will be hoping to finish our Six Nations on a positive note. We still have France and Scotland to go so who knows?

"At half-time we said let's hang on and keep recycling the ball and attacking.

"These things are going to help the side move on to France and Scotland.

"We have to keep rebuilding and today was important as to how our game is developing."

Kirwan is hopeful that winger Mauro Bergamasco, who failed a fitness test on a leg injury before the match, will be fit for the home clash against France in two weeks time.