Watford have announced the signing of Italian defender Marco Cassetti on a season-long loan from Udinese.

The Watford Observer exclusively revealed the 35-year-old would be joining the Hornets earlier this week after he was spotted at Vicarage Road for the last two home games.

Cassetti is a versatile player who usually plays on the right side either in midfield or defence.

Cassetti's career in Serie A began at Verona where he played alongside the likes of Mauro Camoranesi, Adrian Mutu and Alberto Gilardino.

Verona were relegated however and Cassetti joined newly-promoted Lecce in 2003 where he spent three years playing in midfield and won five caps for Italy under coach Marcello Lippi.

When Lecce were relegated in 2006 Cassetti joined Roma where he converted to right back.

The Italy international spent six seasons at Roma where he won the Coppa Italia twice and played in two Champions League quarter-finals.

Cassetti, who will wear number 27, left Roma in the summer this year.