Friuli Cup with Barcelona and Nottingham Forest

Udinese confirmed that the inaugural Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup will be held on 8 August 2026 at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine. The triangular tournament will feature Udinese, Spanish champions Barcelona and England’s Nottingham Forest in three 45‑minute matches, with a points system that awards three points for a regulation win, two for a penalty‑shootout victory and one for a loss.

Jointly organised by Udinese Calcio and the regional government, the event is promoted as a vehicle for sport‑driven tourism and territorial promotion. Governor Massimiliano Fedriga said the cup offers a “high‑profile sporting showcase that unites sport, tourism and the promotion of our territory,” aiming to raise the region’s media profile across Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.

The 2026 edition marks Barcelona’s first return to Udine since a Champions League fixture in December 2005, while Nottingham Forest will make their debut in the city. Organisers expect the tournament to attract international visitors and reinforce Udine’s reputation as a venue for top‑level sport.

In preparation for the cup, Udinese has already played a pre‑season friendly against Croatian side NK Istra and has scheduled additional tests against Swansea, Al Ahli and Mainz. The cup follows earlier 2025‑26 season preparations, including the release of the Serie A fixture list and a pre‑season friendly with Barcelona slated for the same date.