The Tigers prop, winning his 53rd cap, scored from a catch and drive at a lineout and gave Italy hope of a fightback before their Stade de France hosts pulled away to gain victory and set up a title clash with Wales next week.
Italy face Scotland in their final game of the Championship next Saturday. Tigers lock James Hamilton is ruled out of that game by an ankle injury suffered in the defeat by Ireland.
Tom Croft started his first senior international on Saturday but will want to quickly forget England’s 15-9 defeat by Scotland at Murrayfield.
George Chuter gained his 20th England cap - and his first appearance of this season’s Championship - as a 67th-minute replacement for Lee Mears. Club colleague Ben Kay entered the fray at the same time, replacing Simon Shaw.
Geordan Murphy was ruled out of contention for Ireland’s match against Championship-chasing Wales in Dublin and continues to have treatment on an injury as he hopes to push his claim to face England on Saturday.
