Carnevale was born to Gaetano and Filomena Carnevale as one of the seven children.[3] As a child, he learned to be a carpenter in Monte San Biagio to bring money home. On an improvised field, Carnevale played football with his brothers, Enzo and Germano. He was scouted by nearby Latina Calcio 1932 where his colleague Alessandro Altobelli had played.[4]
After playing for various Italian teams, Carnevale received success with Napoli from 1986 to 1990 – playing alongside Diego Maradona and Careca – winning two Scudetti as well as one Coppa ItaliaUEFA Cup.[2] Carnevale scored four goals after transferring to Roma in 1990, but was suspended for one year due to illegal drug use alongside teammate Angelo Peruzzi.[5] He spent two more years in Rome before playing three seasons in Serie B for Pescara (twice) and Udinese.[6]
Carnevale represented Italy national football team ten times with two goals between 1989 and 1990. He debuted on 22 April 1989 during a 1–1 friendly draw against Uruguay in Verona.[7] On 26 April 1989, Carnevale scored his first international goal in a 4–0 victory against Hungary in Taranto.[8] The same year on 20 September, he scored his second goal during another 4–0 friendly victory, this time against Bulgaria in Cesena.
Carnevale was included in Italy squad at 1990 FIFA World Cup, where they finished third place on home soil. He was a regular starter for pre-tournament friendly matches and appeared in the first two group stage matches of said World Cup.[9] Upon being replaced by Salvatore Schillaci in Italy's opening game of the 1990 FIFA World Cup with Austria, Carnevale watched on as Schillaci scored two minutes later. Carnevale started the next game against the United States, but was once again replaced by Schillaci after failing to score. Following the tournament, Carnevale was no longer called up to the national team.[9] He also played for Italy at the 1988 Summer Olympics, where they finished in fourth place after reaching the semi-finals.[10]
