
Sources: Donovan to step down as Bulls coach
Billy Donovan steps down as head coach of the Chicago Bulls after six seasons.
Leonardo Bonucci emphasizes the need for Italy's national team to start a 'new chapter' with a new coach, mentioning Guardiola, Conte, or Allegri as potential candidates. Italy has missed the World Cup for the third consecutive time and will appoint a new coach after June 22.
Mentioned in this story
Bonucci: Italy need ‘new chapter’ with Guardiola, Conte or Allegri – video
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 believes Italy needs a new coach to start a 'new chapter' after failing to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.
The potential candidates mentioned by Bonucci for Italy's new national team coach include Pep Guardiola, Antonio Conte, and Massimiliano Allegri.
Italy will appoint a new national team coach after the election of a new FIGC President on June 22.

Billy Donovan steps down as head coach of the Chicago Bulls after six seasons.

Cleveland Browns eyeing trades and elite picks in 2026 NFL Draft

Nnamdi Madubuike has neck surgery but may return to play this season.

The trend of smaller shin guards in soccer raises safety concerns after Lewis Holtby's injury.
Billy Donovan leaves the Bulls following major front office shakeup.
Pakistan Cricket Board in Talks for New Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
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)
“I love him” ❤️ Leonardo Bonucci is backing Pep Guardiola to be the new Italy boss 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/ZHjxi3n0bt