Ben Wilmot experienced a tough introduction to the Italian top flight as Udinese were thumped 4-1 at runaway Serie A leaders Juventus last night.

The Watford youngster has had to be patient for an opportunity since moving on loan to the fellow Pozzo-owned club at the end of January, but he was given his debut in Turin.

However, the England Under-20 international’s first appearance was to be curtailed at half-time, with Juventus already two goals to the good through a Moise Kean brace.

An Emre Can penalty and Blaise Matuidi header made it 4-0 to the hosts after the break before the player who replaced Wilmot, Kevin Lasagna, netted a consolation.

Fellow Hornets loanees Marvin Zeegelaar played the full 90 minutes while Stefano Oakaka was unused substitute as the home side opted to field a weakened side with Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid in mind, meaning Cristiano Ronaldo was an unused replacement.

The defeat leaves Udinese 15th in Serie A, seven points clear of the drop zone, while Juventus are now a mammoth 19 points clear at the summit.