Benetton got their United Rugby Championship season up and running with a convincing 38-10 bonus-point win over Sharks at Stadio Monigo.
They have made two alterations to their pack and four in the backline for their opening-round match of The Rugby Championship in Wellington.
The Scottish capital club needed to beat the Italians to guarantee extending their season but the Lions’ losing point against the Stormers in Cape Town sealed their fate.
Scotland fly-half Adam Hastings has returned to the Gloucester squad to face Benetton on Saturday in the Challenge Cup semi-final at Kingsholm after missing the loss to Exeter Chiefs last week in the Gallagher Premiership.
Flanker Alessandro Izekor powered over with just seconds remaining to snatch Benetton a vital 18-14 United Rugby Championship victory over Connacht at Stadio Monigo.
BKT United Rugby Championship leaders Leinster comfortably maintained their place at the top of the table with a 47-18 bonus-point victory over Benetton at the RDS Arena.
Toulouse-bound Blair Kinghorn scored a double on his farewell outing but his last home match for boyhood club Edinburgh ended in disappointment as his late error gifted visitors Benetton a 24-22 victory.
Benetton maintained their unbeaten start to the BKT United Rugby Championship with a hard-fought 15-10 home victory over the Emirates Lions.
Ospreys replacement fly-half Jack Walsh saw his conversion attempt to clinch a dramatic comeback win agonisingly hit the post.
