Belgium start League with Italy duel, Haaland meets Ronaldo in Oslo

In the cozy King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, anticipation buzzes as the Red Devils prepare for a double challenge: a clash against Italy on September 25 at 20:45 and a spectacle in Oslo where Erling Haaland (26) takes on Cristiano Ronaldo (41). The photo by Julio Cortez shows Haaland and Ronaldo side by side.

Belgium starts League with Italy duel

The match between Belgium and Italy will be played at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The duel is scheduled for September 25 at 20:45, a crucial opener of the fifth edition of the Nations League.

Mark van Bommel makes his debut as Belgium's head coach, a role he assumes from this date. The Red Devils hope under his guidance to find a new impetus after a quarter‑final exit at the previous World Cup against Spain.

After the encounter with Italy, a second tough task follows against France. France has won the last five head‑to‑head duels, including a 2‑1 victory in Brussels on October 14, 2024.

De Bruyne says Italy must change its mindset before Rome

Italy is in a difficult phase; despite the European title in 2021, it has missed three consecutive World Cups. The country remains a traditional powerhouse, but is now seeking recovery in the Nations League.

France, the Nations League title‑defender, has recently won three matches against Belgium in this tournament, in addition to victories at the 2018 World Cup and the 2024 European Championship.

Haaland meets Ronaldo in Oslo

In Oslo, Erling Haaland (26) and Cristiano Ronaldo (41) face each other, a duel between two of the best strikers in the world. Norway, which reached the quarter‑finals at the previous World Cup, meets Portugal, the current Nations League champion, which lost in the round of 16 at the World Cup to Spain after a goal in extra time.

The group draw promises a tough pool for Belgium, with Turkey as an additional opponent. The combination of a new head coach, a challenging match against Italy and a star duel in Oslo makes the coming weeks crucial for the Red Devils.