Nicknamed La Bandera, he played as a defender for various European clubs, including Juventus, which he later managed, and the Italy national team.

During injury time of Juventus' home match against Milan on 15 September 1991, an innocent-looking cross from the right touchline hit Carrera's head, and the ball looped past a stranded Stefano Tacconi for the crucial equaliser.

In 1994, with the arrival of Marcello Lippi, he was deployed as a sweeper, in place of Luca Fusi, and subsequently as a central defender, becoming a pillar of the team, and winning both Serie A and the Coppa Italia in 1995.

Due to the arrival of skilled defenders Pietro Vierchowod and Paolo Montero the following season, Carrera started more often from the bench, but still offered valued contribution when called upon.

Carrera was reunited with former Juventus teammates Antonio Conte and Angelo Alessio in the summer of 2011 when he joined the club's coaching staff as a technical director.

[7] He was relieved of his duties in late 2018 following a number of poor performances despite remaining seemingly popular among the fans, a move that caused controversy.

[12] Despite suffering relegation to Serie C, Carrera was confirmed in charge of Ascoli but was ultimately removed from his coaching duties on 27 September 2024 following a negative start to the new season.