Moscow (AFP) – Russia’s most successful club Spartak Moscow announced on Wednesday they have appointed Massimo Carrera as their new manager.

The Italian had been named caretaker boss after head coach Dmitry Alenichev resigned earlier this month following Spartak’s elimination from the Europa League qualifying stages.

The deputy chairman of Spartak’s board of directors, Alexander Zhirkov, told Russian media that Carrera had been signed to a two-year deal.

“The goals are as follows: the Russian Cup and first place in the league,” state news agencies quoted Zhirkov as saying.

Former defender Carrera, 52, has vast coaching experience at the club level, having managed Juventus youth teams and served as an assistant with Italy.

“I will work day and night, put in all my heart to rejuvenate Spartak and to lift them to the top of the league,” Russian media quoted Carrera as saying.