Carrera backs Conte and reveals main difference between Allegri and Lippi

Ex-Juventus defender and former assistant coach Massimo Carrera believes that his former boss Antonio Conte would be a ‘useful’ addition to any team, and has also revealed the main differences between current head coach Massimiliano Allegri and five-time Serie A winner Marcello Lippi.

Conte has been linked with a return to Serie A for close to a year, dating back to his explosive departure from Tottenham Hotspur in March 2023.

The former Italy and Chelsea coach has been mentioned by numerous outlets as a potential successor to Stefano Pioli at Milan, while others have linked him with a return to Juventus to replace Allegri.

“He would be useful to many teams, all I know is that he is a very strong coach,” Carrera said in a recent interview with Ilbianconero.com.

Carrera was originally Conte’s teammate at Juventus for five seasons between 1991 and 1996, before joining him in the dugout as assistant coach with The Old Lady and then later with the Italy national team.

“I think Allegri is capable of motivating like Conte did, the problem is that with a group of young players, they are used to much less pressure,” Carrera continued.

Carrera was then asked about the differences between his former coach, Lippi, and the current incumbent, Allegri.

“I think it’s a question of play, I think that’s the main difference. Lippi’s Juve won by playing good football. It’s normal; that was an entirely different team, with more quality, and a squad used to winning trophies.

“It’s a different situation because the current set-up is a team that isn’t as well tested as ours was, with players who aren’t used to these sorts of matches.”

Carrera was also asked what he made of a potential return for former talisman Alessandro Del Piero in a potential senior leadership position.

“I think someone who has had a history as a player in a managerial position is needed, not just for Juve, but for all teams.

“Somebody like that conveys a sense of belonging. All these sorts of things are needed if you have players who are less aware. There are situations that a former player is already familiar with, it’s small details.”