Cardiff scored five first-half tries on their way to a 42-14 bonus-point victory over Zebre Parma at the Arms Park.
Ulster recorded a second successive bonus-point victory in the United Rugby Championship as they saw off Zebre 36-3 at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.
Having endured four more Six Nations losses on the bounce, Italy have picked the team they hope can avoid a 2021 whitewash away to Scotland.
The Six Nations scoreboard didn't reflect kindly on Italy at Twickenham on February 13, but Franco Smith has stood by his XV.
Beaten last time out by Wales a Llanelli, Italy have opted to change six of their XV for this Saturday's Six Nations clash with France.
Franco Smith has named a squad largely similar to the group selected for the autumn international window, with the addition of six uncapped players.
Italian bragging rights were on the line on Saturday and the PRO14 spoils eventually went the way of Zebre against Benetton.
Wales-born Stephen Varney made appearances off the Italy bench in Nations Cup games against Scotland and France last month.
Italy are on a horrible losing streak in the Six Nations and things won't get any easier with title-chasing England in Rome on Saturday.
Cardiff Blues kicked off their new Guinness PRO14 campaign in Italy and they eventually came away with a win despite a red card.
