FC Barcelona is evaluating the possibility of playing a pre-season friendly against Italian club Udinese as part of their preparations for the 2026/27 season. According to Carlos Monfort of SPORT, the match would take place in early August in Italy.
The club views this option positively, but the final decision awaits approval by Barcelona’s board of directors. Other pre-season possibilities are also under review.
Barcelona’s summer priority is to create a schedule minimizing long-distance travel while ensuring strong competitive preparation ahead of La Liga. Italy is an attractive destination, especially since much of the pre-season training camp is planned for England. A short trip to face Udinese fits naturally into this setup without overburdening the players.
The friendly will give coach Hansi Flick another chance to increase match fitness roughly two weeks before the league campaign begins. Supporters would also have an opportunity to see Barcelona’s new signings in action, including summer marquee signing Anthony Gordon. Flick is expected to continue integrating academy prospects during pre-season.
The pre-season base will be at St George’s Park in Birmingham, offering modern facilities and sports science technology essential for top-level preparation. Barcelona will also play a friendly against Birmingham City during their time in England.
The potential Udinese fixture forms part of broader pre-season planning. At the next board meeting, the club will also discuss the opponent for the Joan Gamper Trophy set for August 19, the first major home event ahead of the new season.
