Beppe Sannino says Watford’s display in their 2-2 friendly draw with Udinese was a step forward for the Hornets and admits his side looked more comfortable using a 3-5-2 formation.

A crowd of 11,085 turned out at Vicarage Road for the Golden Boys’ final match of their pre-season campaign.

The Hornets fell behind in the opening period when static defending from the hosts allowed Silvan Widmer room to place a header past Watford goalkeeper Hereulo Gomes.

A sumptuous Lewis McGugan free kick levelled the game in the second period but Udinese retook the lead through substitute Cyril Thereau.

But a header from Mathias Ranegie with ten minutes remaining secured a draw for the Hornets.

Sannino said prior to the contest that the friendly was the ideal test for his side ahead of next weekend's Championship opener with Bolton Wanderers.

 The Watford head coach was pleased with what he saw.

He said: “In this friendly match I saw a team that was more organised and also better in possession. “The players played well with the ball and, with respect to the other friendlies, this was a step forward for us.

“Today I am happy with everybody’s approach. The way the players approached this game was very good.”

When asked if he felt Watford looked more comfortable in their 3-5-2 system, rather than the 4-3-3 shape that had been used during pre-season, Sannino continued: “Sure, but the team know this system - it is very important that we have tried another system.

“In England you come up against 4-4-2 and 4-3-3, so we have to come up with another formation.

“The Championship is a long season and it is very important for us to know how to play two systems.

“We have one week to work. For every match there will be one system which I decide to play and that will depend on the opponent.”