Bonucci: Italy need ‘new chapter’ with Guardiola, Conte or Allegri – video | OneFootball

Leonardo Bonucci insists Pep Guardiola would be ‘very important’ for the Italy national team, but regardless of the new coach, the Azzurri need to start ‘a new chapter.’

Italy have failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time and will hire a new coach after June 22.

On that day, a new FIGC President will be elected, leading to the appointment of a new Azzurri boss.

Friendly games at the beginning of June against Greece and Luxembourg will be managed by Italy U21 coach Silvio Baldini.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of Napoli, and Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, embrace prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and SSC Napoli at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

“I read in the newspapers that Guardiola is a possibility, as is Conte or Allegri,” Bonucci told Sky Sports UK.

“The most important [thing] is that there’s a new chapter for Italian football and players. I love him, I think he’s one of the best coaches in the world, so he could be very important for us.”

Bonucci had already spoken about Guardiola’s potential appointment as the Italy national team coach, saying: “I think it’s very hard, but dreaming doesn’t cost anything.”

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and SSC Napoli at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Bonucci: Guardiola could be ‘very important’ for Italy