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Where to Watch Italy vs Belgium for Free (September 25, 2026)


Key takeaways:

Italy vs Belgium launches a demanding UEFA Nations League group that also features France and Türkiye. The Stadio Olimpico hosts this first group-stage test on Friday, September 25, and the game begins at 20:45 CEST. Italy have home advantage, but Belgium have the attacking talent to make a high-pressure opening night of it.

Fans in Italy can follow the game free on RAI 1 through RaiPlay, while viewers in Belgium can use VTM through VTM GO. Both services are free in their respective markets, but licensing rules normally stop them from playing streams abroad. If you are outside Italy or Belgium, a VPN can change your virtual location to the country that carries the stream. Connect before the 20:45 CEST kickoff, then open the free broadcaster’s live channel to watch without paying for a sports subscription.

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Cybernews recommendation

To stream Italy vs Belgium for free, NordVPN is my top recommendation because it has fast servers in Italy and Belgium for these free broadcasts. Its 30-day money-back guarantee gives you time to watch the match and claim a refund if it is not right for you.

How to Watch Italy vs Belgium for free (September 25)

  1. Get a VPN with a refund policy: Choose a reputable service such as NordVPN and install its app on your preferred streaming device.
  2. Connect to the correct country: Select an Italian server for RAI 1 or a Belgian server for VTM.
  3. Open the streaming platform: Visit RAI 1 through RaiPlay, or open VTM through VTM GO, then create or sign in to your free account.
  4. Find the live channel or match page: Open the live RAI 1 or VTM channel and locate Italy vs Belgium in the schedule.
  5. Start early before kickoff: Have the stream ready a few minutes before 20:45 CEST so a login prompt or stream refresh does not make you miss the opening.
  6. Request a refund if needed: NordVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can contact support within that period if you decide not to continue.

Where to watch Italy vs Belgium for free around the world

Italy and Belgium each have a free domestic broadcast, giving viewers abroad a choice of server country and commentary language. Both options need a free account, and neither requires a paid sports package.

Streaming platformCountry/countriesVPN server locationCommentary languageFree account needed
RAI 1ItalyItalyItalianYes
VTMBelgiumBelgiumDutchYes

RAI 1 is the best fit for viewers who prefer Italian commentary and an Italian server. VTM is the alternative for anyone who wants Dutch-language coverage from Belgium.

Italy vs Belgium kickoff time in different time zones

The match begins at different local times depending on where you are watching. The reference time for the game itself is the Rome kickoff at 20:45 CEST.

Time zoneKickoff time
CEST20:45
BST19:45
ET14:45
PT11:45

How are these platforms bringing Italy vs Belgium to viewers for free

RAI 1 is Rai’s flagship Italian television channel, and its live channel is available online through RaiPlay. RaiPlay combines live channels and on-demand programming, with free registration allowing viewers to use the service across its web and app experience.

VTM is a leading Flemish commercial television channel in Belgium. Its VTM GO service provides live access to its channels online at no cost after registration, making it a useful free option for Belgium-based viewers who want Dutch commentary.

Why you need a VPN to watch Italy vs Belgium for free

Free broadcasters still buy rights for particular territories, which is why RAI 1 and VTM limit their live feeds to their home markets. When you attempt to play the Italian broadcast from abroad, you may see: “The content is not available due to copyright restrictions.”

A VPN assigns you an IP address in the broadcaster’s permitted country. Select Italy for the RAI 1 route or Belgium for the VTM route, then refresh the stream before the 20:45 CEST kickoff.

An example of a geo-block error when connecting without a VPN
An example of a geo-block error when connecting without a VPN

Choosing the right VPN to stream Italy vs Belgium

To avoid interruptions during live football, you need a high quality VPN to stream sports live, rather than a basic service that struggles with video. I tested the qualities that matter most for accessing a free stream reliably ahead of 20:45 CEST.

  • Fast, reliable servers: Choose a provider with strong server coverage in Italy and Belgium so video can load smoothly.
  • Reliable geo-block bypass: The VPN should consistently provide a fresh local IP address that lets the broadcaster recognize the correct country.
  • Refund policy or free trial: A free trial is useful, while NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee offers a practical risk-free route.

Free VPNs are usually a poor choice for live sport because crowded servers, restrictive data caps, and weaker streaming performance can disrupt the match. NordVPN is my top pick for this fixture because it combines relevant server locations with a refund window.

Streaming Champions League on VTM with NordVPN
Streaming Champions League on VTM with NordVPN

What to do if the stream remains blocked while using a VPN

A streaming platform may retain information from a previous browsing session, even when your VPN connection is correct. Try these fixes before the 20:45 CEST kickoff, then reload the live channel.

  • Switch between VPN protocols: Switching back and forth between protocols can establish a connection that the platform accepts.
  • Get a new IP address: Disconnect and select another server in Italy or Belgium to receive a new local IP.
  • Clear cache and cookies: Remove stored browser data so the platform does not retain your original location.
  • Use a mobile browser instead of the app: A browser can sometimes work when the app continues to apply an older location setting.
  • Connect before opening the platform: Close the platform fully, activate the VPN first, then reopen the site or app.

Italy vs Belgium head-to-head facts

This Nations League opener matters immediately because both teams start in a group with France and Türkiye. Italy’s home support should add to the occasion, while the Red Devils arrive looking to make an early statement against a major European opponent.

  • Overall record: Italy have won 17 of the 26 senior men’s meetings, with five draws and four Belgium wins.
  • Leading scorers: Silvio Piola and Giuseppe Meazza share the all-time Italy vs Belgium scoring lead with three goals each.
  • A historic result: Italy beat Belgium 6-1 in a 1938 friendly, with Piola scoring twice.
  • Recent Nations League history: Italy and Belgium last met in the Nations League during the 2024/25 cycle, adding extra familiarity to this new group-stage meeting.
  • Italy’s identity: Gli Azzurri will look to use the Stadio Olimpico setting to begin their campaign with control and composure.

Wrapping Up

Italy vs Belgium is set for Friday, September 25, 2026, at 20:45 CEST at the Stadio Olimpico. The game is free through RAI 1 in Italy and VTM in Belgium, but a country-matched VPN connection is needed when you are abroad.

Use an Italian or Belgian server before opening the stream, sign in to the relevant free account, and be ready ahead of kickoff. NordVPN remains my top pick for its servers in both countries and its 30-day money-back guarantee.