The Welsh region, who booked their place in the Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 with back-to-back triumphs over Montpellier Hérault Rugby before a dramatic late victory at Leicester Tigers in Round 4, recovered from 10 points down in Italy.

Harri Deaves and Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler crossed early on as Ospreys started strong, but three tries from Zebre saw them 19-14 up half-time.

The hosts dotted down again shortly after the restart, but Ospreys wrestled control in the final 20 minutes as Morgan Morris powered over before Reuben Morgan-Williams' effort secured their win.

In the TOP 14 on Sunday, Stade Toulousain saw off Montpellier 23-9 in a clash between two sides who have qualified for the Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16.

Two Ange Capuozzo scores, a penalty try and two Juan Cruz Mallía penalties saw Toulouse ease to victory at the Stade Ernest Wallon, with Louis Carbonel’s boot providing all Montpellier’s points.

The focus remains on domestic rugby for the next two months – Ospreys, Toulouse and Montpellier are in Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 action on April 2, visiting Saracens, hosting Vodacom Bulls and travelling to Exeter Chiefs respectively.

Ospreys carried their Heineken Champions Cup form into the United Rugby Championship (URC) as they battled to a 28-24 win at Zebre Parma on Sunday.