And he admits a change of management for the Azzurri - Jacques Brunel has replaced Nick Mallett in charge - has been decisive in him being back in favour on the international scene.
"Last year I felt I deserved a chance. But I was told that I wasn't tall enough and others were preferred. I thought I deserved a spot, it's a shame, the call-up never came," said Pavanello, who has won five caps for Italy, and will be on the bench for Saturday's clash with England in Rome.
"Last year I got injured just before the tournament. First of all I need to try to avoid misfortune, and if I get on I'll be desperate to show what I'm worth, I'm really keen to do that.
"The other times that I was called up it was because someone else was injured, and that always leaves you with a few regrets. This time I was called up from the start and that's very gratifying. With Treviso I have been playing at a high level so I feel like I've earned my spot.
"It's clear that we are in a period of examination at the moment, for the coach as well, so it's possible we'll see some changes during the tournament."
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