On the same day that Italy were eliminated from the World Cup, Bari bought the remaining half of Bonucci's registration rights from Genoa for €8M.[15] Co-currently, Bari signed Sergio Bernardo Almirón in co-ownership deal for €2.5M,[16] who already went on loan for the 2009–10 season from Juventus and Genoa bought the remaining 50% rights of Domenico Criscito from Juve for €6M on the next day.[17] Bonucci then went to Turin for a medical,[18] and the 3-way swap was completed on 1 July, which Bonucci cost Juve €15.5M (but in cash plus player deals) and he signed a 5-year deal.[19]
Partnered with Azzurri teammate Chiellini, Bonucci was immediately drafted into the starting line-up for the first matches of the season. He scored his first goal for Juventus in the Europa League play-off match against Sturm Graz.[20]