[2][3] In the 2008–09 season Bocchetti was signed by Genoa and soon became a regular starter in central defence, also functioning as a fullback on occasion.

He established himself in Pierluigi Casiraghi's Azzurrini squad, which won the 2008 Toulon Tournament, and retained his place in the starting lineup for the Summer Olympics, as Italy reached the quarter-finals.

[2][12] Together with Marco Andreolli, he was first-choice in central defence during the 2009 U-21 European Championship as Italy reached the semi-finals;[13] he was later named to the team of the tournament.

On 22 March 2009, Bocchetti received his first call-up to the senior Italy squad for two World Cup qualifiers matches but remained an unused substitute.

[14] On 10 October 2009, he made his senior national team international debut against Ireland coming on as a second-half substitute in Croke Park.

[21] Following Tudor's departure and the appointment of Gabriele Cioffi as new head coach, Bocchetti was then handed over the duties of the Under-19 team for the 2022–23 season.

On 23 December 2024, Bocchetti signed a contract until 30 June 2027 as the new head coach of bottom-placed Serie A club Monza, replacing Alessandro Nesta.