Watford midfielder Cristian Battocchio played just over an hour for Italy Under-21s but couldn’t help the Azzurrini avoid a 2-1 defeat against Sweden Under-21s at the Under-21 European Championships.

The 23-year-old, who spent the previous season at Serie B outfit Virtus Entella, started for Italy but was replaced in the 61st minute of the Group B clash by Simone Verdi.

Italy went in front through Domenico Berardi. The striker dispatched a 29th minute penalty after Andrea Belotti was felled in the area by Alexander Milosevic who was sent off.

It was an advantage Luigi Di Biagio’s side held until the break. However, in the second period John Guidetti - who has been linked with a move to Watford sister club Udinese in recent days - turned home an equaliser for the Swedes.

Stefano Sturaro was sent off with ten minutes remaining for Italy after striking Mikael Ishak in the face.

And the Randers forward then caused further problems for the Azzurrini as he was tripped by Italy goalkeeper Francesco Bardi in the final minutes.

A penalty was awarded and Isaac Thelin stepped up to convert. It was enough to clinch victory for Sweden.

Elsewhere in Group B, Watford goalkeeper Jonathan Bond was an unused substitute as England’s Under-21s suffered a 1-0 defeat against their Portuguese counterparts.