by InTrieste
More than 23,000 tickets have been sold ahead of the inaugural Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup, a preseason football tournament that will bring FC Barcelona, Nottingham Forest, and Udinese to the Bluenergy Stadium on Friday evening, regional officials said.
Speaking at the tournament’s presentation in Udine on Thursday, Massimiliano Fedriga, governor of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, described the competition as part of the region’s broader strategy to promote itself through international sport. He was joined by Franco Collavino, general director of Udinese.
According to organizers, the event is expected to be broadcast in 129 countries, with the potential to reach audiences in more than 200 through distribution agreements involving Barca Studios, the media platform operated by Barcelona. Officials also said ticket buyers come from 84 different countries, underscoring the tournament’s international appeal.
The competition will feature three 45-minute matches played in a round-robin format. Udinese will face Nottingham Forest in the opening game at 8 p.m., followed by Barcelona against Nottingham Forest, before the tournament concludes with Udinese taking on Barcelona.
For Barcelona, the appearance marks a return to Udine nearly two decades after the club played there in a UEFA Champions League match in December 2005. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, will make its first-ever appearance in the northeastern Italian city.
Regional officials said revenues from ticket sales, television rights and merchandising will go to PromoTurismoFVG, the regional tourism agency, which is responsible for organizing and promoting the event.
Fedriga argued that the tournament offers significant promotional value for the region, saying international television exposure would provide visibility that would otherwise require substantially greater investment through traditional marketing campaigns.
To encourage visitors to explore the region beyond the matches, the regional government and PromoTurismoFVG have introduced a package of discounts and tourism benefits for ticket holders.
The winners of the first Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup will receive a trophy created by Giorgio Celiberti, the Friuli Venezia Giulia artist. Cast in aluminum, the sculpture is intended to symbolize the values of teamwork, enthusiasm and fair play.
