The Italians, bound for Challenge Cup action like Michael Bradley's side, led 6-3 before centre Mark McHugh slipped through the cover to net Connacht's first try.

Fly-half David Slemen, stepping into the boots of the retired Eric Elwood, converted. He also added the extras to South African prop Frik Venter's debut try, just past the hour.

Parma did score a penalty try, for a close-in scrum collapse, to cancel out former Orrell ace Slemen's second penalty and set up a fight to the finish, but Connacht held on.