The Dragons' long stay in Italy paid off as the Welsh side managed their first win in this season's tournament with a bonus point success against Rugby Mogliano.
Darren Edwards' men had stayed out in Italy for the week after their Pro12 defeat to Treviso last Saturday as they looked to put previous tournament losses to against London Wasps and Bayonne behind them against the pool's other winless outfit.
The visitors scored four tries to record a comfortable win - with Wales Under 20s No8 Ieuan Jones crossing for a brace - despite being a man down for 50 minutes of this Round 3 contest.
The match was played in difficult conditions at the Stadio Maurizio Quaggia in northern Italy with volunteers clearing the pitch of snow before kick-off to allow the game to go ahead.
The Men of Gwent were 21-0 ahead at half time but were down to 14 men after blindside flanker Jevon Groves was red-carded for a dangerous tackle in the 30th minute against the part-timers.
Jones' second score four minutes after the break ended any slim hopes Mogliano had of a comeback before Tom Prydie secured the bonus point with 10 minutes remaining.
The Italians have now conceded 20 tries in the pool and are still looking for their first victory as they prepare to face the Dragons in the second leg of this double header at Rodney Parade next week.