Nottingham Forest will make their Italian debut in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup on August 8, facing Udinese and Barcelona in a preseason tournament. The matches will take place at Udinese's Bluenergy Stadium, one of Italy's most modern arenas. League standing: 18th in Premier League, 0 pts, with no goals scored or conceded yet this season.
What is the Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup?
The new tournament features three 45-minute matches, with Nottingham Forest first playing Udinese at 19:00 UK time, followed by a clash with Barcelona. The hosts will then face Barcelona in the final match. If tied, the winner is decided by penalties. A win earns three points, while a penalty victory gives two points to the winner and one to the loser.
Why this tournament matters for Nottingham Forest
This is Nottingham Forest's first match in Italy, offering a chance to test their squad against top European opposition before the Premier League season begins. The team, currently 18th in the league with no points, will use this tournament to build form and cohesion. Their next Premier League fixture is at home against Manchester United on February 20, 2027.
What to expect from the matches
Barcelona previously played at the Bluenergy Stadium in a 2005 Champions League match against Udinese. For Nottingham Forest, this is an opportunity to gain experience in a competitive environment. The tournament format ensures fast-paced action, with teams needing to perform well in short bursts.
