Former Spartak Moscow head coach Massimo Carrera has shared his assessment that the stadiums in Russia’s top flight offer a level of quality that often surpasses what is found in Italian football, according to RB Sports.
He explained that Russia has developed football infrastructure to a point where the venues across the Russian Premier League are generally more modern than those seen in Serie A. Carrera noted that almost all of the league’s 16 teams now play on contemporary pitches, facilities, and surfaces, a contrast to the situation he observed in Italy during his time working in European football. This assessment reflects his broader view on how Russia has invested in football-specific infrastructure over recent years.
Carrera’s tenure at Spartak Moscow lasted from 2016 to 2018. During those seasons, the team enjoyed a resurgence, capturing the Russian championship title for the first time in 16 years and claiming the 2017 Russian Super Cup in the process. These outcomes underscored his impact on the club, even as he later moved on to roles with AEK in Greece and Bari in Italy.
At the time of reporting, Spartak Moscow stood with 30 points after 18 rounds, placing the club fifth in the current table. In the 18th round, Guillermo Abascal’s Spartak side delivered a 3-0 victory against Krylia Sovetov, highlighting the club’s form as the season progressed. In the broader league standings, Krasnodar led the championship with 38 points, while Zenit St. Petersburg was close behind with 36 points, indicating a competitive race at the top of the table.
Beyond the club level, Carrera has previously stated an ambition to coach the Russia national football team, signaling his continued interest in contributing to Russian football at the highest level. This aspiration accompanies his ongoing commentary on the domestic game and its evolving landscape, including the development of stadium infrastructure, youth systems, and competitive formulae that shape the league’s identity. The dialogue around stadium quality and league competitiveness reflects broader conversations in Russian football about sustainability, fan experience, and international benchmarks.
From a broader perspective, the Russian Premier League has invested in modernization that often translates into improved matchday experiences for fans, better training facilities for players, and more robust hosting capabilities for international events. Such enhancements help attract players, coaches, and sponsorships, reinforcing Russia’s position as a growing hub for high-level football in Eastern Europe. The contrast with Italy, as articulated by Carrera, highlights how regional differences in funding models, municipal support, and club leadership shape the stadiums where top-tier football is played. This ongoing evolution is likely to influence future coaching appointments, tactical trends, and the overall perception of the league in Canada and the United States, where audiences increasingly monitor global football ecosystems for insights into player development, league structure, and competitive benchmarks.