Flick's Barça face tough test in Udine triangular

Barcelona head to Udine today for a triangular tournament in the inaugural Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup, according to Mundo Deportivo. It marks the second preseason examination for Hansi Flick's squad following their 2-2 draw against Birmingham City in England.

The format, unseen at Barça since Amsterdam 2002, features three 45-minute matches. The schedule runs: Udinese vs Nottingham Forest (20.00 CET), Barça vs Nottingham Forest, and Barça vs Udinese (20.55 CET on Barça Play and TV3). Draws are settled by penalties, awarding three points for regular time wins, two for penalty shootout victories, and one for penalty shootout defeats.

Flick will assess both experienced players and academy talent. Raphinha and Balde make their competitive debuts, while the coach evaluates whether prospects like Xavi Espart, Brian Fariñas, Héctor Fort, Tunkara and Hamza merit further opportunities. Spain's World Cup-winning internationals return from August 10th.