Beppe Sannino believes Diego Fabbrini can be a “big, big player” for Watford if he improves the defensive part of his game.

The 24-year-old, who has been capped once by Italy, impressed against Udinese yesterday after being introduced from the substitute’s bench with 15 minutes remaining.

He played a crucial role in the Hornets’ second equaliser, tricking his way past a defender before crossing for Daniel Pudil whose header was nodded home by Mathias Ranegie.

Fabbrini joined Watford last summer from Udinese but spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Siena.

However, he returned to the Hornets this summer and has impressed during several pre-season cameos.

When asked about Fabbrini’s displays, Sannino said: “Diego Fabbrini is a player with so much quality but he has to improve defensively. If he can then he will be a big, big player for Watford.”