Warriors were already assured of a top-four finish but their bid to go into the play-offs on a high note were in jeopardy for much of the evening as the spirited Italians led until the 66th minute before wilting in the closing stages.
Exeter Chiefs No8 Ross Vintcent has been named in Italy's Guinness Six Nations squad by new coach Gonzalo Quesada alongside four other uncapped players.
Italy have made five changes from the team that lost to the All Blacks last week for France this Friday in Lyon, with head coach Kieran Crowley opting to completely change the front-row.
Kieran Crowley has named an Italy team to play Scotland this Saturday in Edinburgh that shows 11 changes from the meeting 19 weeks ago between the same two countries.
Former England squad member Paolo Odogwu and Harlequins second-row forward Dino Lamb have been named in Italy’s World Cup training group.
Seasoned Test referee Nigel Owens has claimed that a red card was missed in last weekend’s Guinness Six Nations round four match between Italy and Wales.
Kieran Crowley has named an Italy side to visit Scotland that shows four changes following last weekend’s 29-17 home loss to Wales.
Italy, who wasted a host of chances, now look destined to finish bottom of the Six Nations table.
The Italy head coach has asked his players to play with ambition and verve and they line-up against Wales as slight favourites