Pro14: Wales back-rower Ross Moriarty returns in 26-15 defeat at Zebre

Dragons were left to rue their ill-discipline as Zebre ran out worthy winners in Parma in the Pro14.

Ross Moriarty was a late call-up to the starting XV, making his first appearance since October, but was one of two Dragons yellow cards.

Renato Giammarioli and Lorenzo Masselli crossed for Zebre, who after taking the lead remained in front throughout.

Jonah Holmes added two second-half tries for the visitors, but it was too little too late.

The result sees the Italian side rise to fourth in Conference A, while Dragons are rooted to the bottom.

Despite a bright start from the Welsh region, Zebre struck first when a missed tackle saw their pacey number eight Giammarioli carve through the defence.

Paolo Pescetto added the extras.

Dragons were reduced to 14-men shortly after with young flanker Ben Fry penalised for a reckless tackle.

Sam Davies put Dragons on the board with a successful shot at goal, sandwiched between two Pescetto penalties.

And as a scrappy first half drew to a close, Dragons were dealt a blow when Moriarty, who had carried well, was shown yellow for a no-arms tackle.

Zebre took advantage after the break when flanker Masselli gathered a brilliant offload by scrum-half Marcello Violi to cross in the corner.

Dragons coach Dean Ryan soon rung in the changes, including the introduction of centre Jamie Roberts who returned following the birth of his son.

The visitors hit back with Wales wing Holmes showing beautiful footwork to score from scrum-half Rhodri Williams' risky long pass.

But indiscipline saw Dragons pinned back with replacement Antonio Rizzi slotting over a penalty.

Holmes scored again a minute from time to make the score more respectable, but the result was long beyond doubt.

Zebre: Michelangelo Biondelli; Pierre Bruno, Tommaso Boni (capt), Enrico Lucchin, Gabriele Di Giulio; Paolo Pescetto, Marcello Violi; Daniele Rimpelli, Oliviero Fabiani, Eduardo Bello, Samuele Ortis, Ian Nagle, Lorenzo Masselli, Potu Junior Leavasa, Renato Giammarioli.

Replacements: Massimo Ceciliani, Paolo Buonfiglio, Matteo Nocera, Mick Kearney, Jimmy Tuivaiti, Nicolò Casilio, Antonio Rizzi, Jamie Elliott.

Dragons: Jordan Williams; Jonah Holmes, Aneurin Owen, Jack Dixon, Ashton Hewitt; Sam Davies, Gonzalo Bertranou; Greg Bateman, Ellis Shipp, Lloyd Fairbrother, Ben Carter, Joe Maksymiw, Harrison Keddie (capt), Ben Fry, Ross Moriarty.

Replacements: Richard Hibbard, Josh Reynolds, Aaron Jarvis, Joe Davies, Dan Baker, Rhodri Williams, Josh Lewis, Jamie Roberts.

Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR)

Assistant referees: Manuel Bottino, Matteo Liperini (both FIR)

TMO: Stefano Roscini (FIR)