The Men of Gwent failed to pick up a single point during the opening two rounds of the RaboDirect PRO12 with two difficult trips across the Irish Sea to face Munster and Leinster.
But they began all guns blazing at the newly developed Rodney Parade with Tom Riley sliding over to score within five minutes and Tovey adding the extras.
Tovey and Aironi’s Naas Olivier traded shots at goal to go in at half-time leading 13-3.
The Italians, shorn of 10 internationals due to the Rugby World Cup, fought back with another Olivier penalty and a Josh Furno try. But the Dragons clinched a crucial touchdown when Andrew Coombs barged over in the right-hand corner.
Olivier again hit-back to hand his side a lifeline but Matthew Jones landed a long-range penalty to restore the Dragons’ nine-point advantage and put the result beyond doubt.
The Dragons face Connacht next but could be short of numbers after suffering several further injuries. Wayne Evans, Tom Riley, Michael Poole and Adam Hughes were all forced off with injuries.
