The Trieste native started his career in his home town with local clubs, as assistant coach or in charge of youth squads.
He led the Fruili side to the first division Serie A in his first season there, finishing seventh in the league the next year and earning a playoff spot.
[1] Boniciolli was appointed coach of Air Avellino in 2006, he helped the side win the Italian Cup in 2008, the first title in the club's history.
[8] Following his success with Astana, he was appointed to lead the Kazakhstan national team,[9] he guided them to an 80-60 victory over Uzbekistan in May 2013 to qualify for the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship.
[11] However Astana and Boniciolli ended their contract by mutual agreement in December 2013, with the side sitting in 9th place in Group B of the VTB United League after winning the cup for the third time.