Bonucci To Take Over From Chiellini As Juventus Captain
Leonardo Bonucci has been named as the new captain of Juventus.
The 35-year-old will replace Giorgio Chiellini in the role, with the veteran center back having announced his departure from Juventus at the end of the season after 17 years and 20 major trophies.
Bonucci is in his second spell with Juventus, having left for a single season at AC Milan in the 2017/2018 season before returning the following campaign.
Changes to the Juventus playing body will also see Paulo Dybala depart for a new challenge after failing to agree a new contract with the club.
Ahead of Juventus' last home game of the season against Lazio on Monday, manager Massimiliano Allegri announced that Bonucci will take the armband from next season.
The game will also see the return of Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri, who led Juventus to their last Serie A title in the 2019/2020 season.
"It's the last home game, you have to honour it to the fullest. And then it's Giorgio Chiellini's party and Paulo Dybala's last [game], we have to combine all three things," Allegri told reporters at a media conference on Sunday.
"They are two different things. Giorgio stops or has an experience in America, I don't know. Paulo changes team. Both will have the tribute of the fans, as I believe will [Lazio boss, Maurizio] Sarri, who returns and was the last [head coach] to win the Scudetto with Juve."
As for Juve's next skipper, Allegri added: "The new Juventus captain will be Bonucci."
Juventus have endured a disappointing campaign with a fourth place finish in Serie A adding to a last 16 exit to Villarreal in the Champions League and Coppa Italia final loss to Inter Milan.
