Despite having the majority of possession and posing more of an attacking threat in the first half, Eric Elwood's men were unable to break down an Aironi defence that boasted no fewer than 12 Italy-capped players.

Trailing 9-0 at the break, Connacht knew they would need a strong start but it was the hosts who scored first, winger Sinoti Sinoti crashing over from short range for the game's only try.

Orquera missed the conversion and it was Connacht's turn to get on the scoreboard next, Matthew Jarvis converting a penalty to make it 17-3 after 50 minutes.

Orquera cancelled out that strike three minutes later with another successful kick and although replacement Niall O'Connor landed a penalty with 15 minutes to go, Connacht were unable to close the gap further despite attacking the Aironi line on several occasions.

Connacht's running game proved threatening throughout with the forwards applying huge pressure to the Aironi scrum and the back-line attacks looking slick and sharp.

It was small errors across the pitch that ruined the chance to convert the lion's share of possession and territory into the elusive win the westerners have been searching for.

Up next is another difficult assignment as Connacht head to the south of France to take on French giants Toulouse in the Heineken Cup.

The following week sees the province welcome Harlequins to the Sportsground for the final pool game of the Heineken Cup. Match tickets can still be purchased from www.ticketmaster.ie.