Barcelona’s pre‑season tightens with Serie A test in Udine

FC Barcelona have confirmed a friendly against Udinese on 8 August in Udine, Italy, marking the latest addition to Hansi Flick’s pre‑season schedule as the club prepares for the 2026/27 campaign. The Serie A opponent joins already‑set matches with Europa and Birmingham City.

The first team will report back to the Joan Gamper Sports City on 13 July for routine medical examinations before commencing full training. Images by Eric Alonso and Timothy Rogers capture the squad as they begin preparations.

After a week of training in Barcelona, the squad will travel to St. George’s Park in England for a training camp from 27 July to 3 August. The camp provides a base for the team ahead of the upcoming friendlies.

Barcelona have already confirmed a friendly against Europa on 24 July at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. A second match versus Birmingham City is scheduled for 31 July at St Andrew’s.

Reports suggest Nottingham Forest could join a three‑team pre‑season tournament, but the Premier League club changed managers from Vitor Pereira to Oliver Glasner, which may alter the plan. The managerial shift was confirmed after the season.

Additional opponents such as Watford and Stoke City have been linked to the itinerary. Potential fixtures in Rabat, Morocco, and Nairobi, Kenya remain under discussion.

The Udinese friendly adds valuable Serie A opposition to Barcelona’s preparation ahead of the new season. The club’s traditional Joan Gamper Trophy is set for 19 August, with the opponent still to be decided after Ajax and RB Leipzig were ruled out.