The result meant four permit players joined the black and white ranks from the main Italian league with Kelly Haimona arriving from Rugby Calvisano and starting at fly-half.
The other three - hooker Lorenzo Giovanchelli and flanker Giacomo Bernini arrived from I Cavalieri Prato while utility back Giulio Bisegni came from one of the three Eccellenza clubs based in Rome, Lazio Rugby 1927 - started on the bench.
The quartet were unable to lift Zebre to victory as the Irish province ran out 31-8 victors at Stadio XXV Aprile, but Cavinato was impressed with what he saw from his fresh blood.
"I want to thank the permit players: they have shown that the choice to select them has been correct," he said.
"They have shown a willingness to be at this level and be quality players: this bodes well for the future."
And Haimona admitted that he loved every minute of his debut.
"It went well but this was just another rugby game," Haimona said.
"Playing for the Zebras was my dream, I am very happy to have been helpful.
"The difference was the speed of the game and the physicality. This was a first step for me and it is about my future now and one day I hope to play at a national level."
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