Vunipola called up for expectant father Marler

RBS SIX NATIONS:

The Saracens player steps in because Marler will miss the climax to the 2014 RBS 6 Nations campaign as his partner is expecting their first child.

Vunipola will be promoted to the starting XV, with 23-year-old Marler staying in London to be present at the birth rather than accompany the squad to Rome.

Head coach Stuart Lancaster said: “It is important that Joe is with his partner at this exciting time.

“Family must always come first and everyone in the squad wishes them well. We have prepared for being without Joe and we have no doubt Mako will slot straight in and perform, as will Matt Mullan should he get an opportunity.”

Recent history points to a hard-fought encounter decided by one score, however, with England prevailing 19-15 in Rome two years ago and 18-11 in the return fixture at Twickenham last season.

Two such narrow wins have made Lancaster cautious over targeting anything other than victory.

“Winning is the priority. We went there two years ago and there were different conditions. It was very difficult,” he said.

“Look at the Scotland game, that was 21-20. Italy beat France last year and Ireland also lost. Wales and Australia both struggled two years ago.

“It’s not an easy place to go and get a lot of points. We know what’s coming.”

Meanwhile, Italy welcome back Sergio Parisse who missed last weekend’s 46-7 defeat away to Ireland while Zebre’s Matias Aguero comes in at loosehead prop.

Treviso prop Lorenzo Cittadini is in for the injured Martin Castrogiovanni while Robert Barbieri starts in the flanker position.