Carbone had a much travelled career, playing for ten different clubs. He began his youth career with Bari, making his professional debut with the club in Serie B during the 1988–89 season, earning promotion to Serie A. During his first season in Serie A, he broke into the starting line-up, making 26 appearances and scoring a goal against Inter at the San Siro stadium. In 1990, he moved to Milan at the request of manager Arrigo Sacchi. During his first season with the club, he made 21 appearances in Serie A, making his club debut on 9 September 1990, in a 1–0 home win over Genoa in Serie A. He also made his UEFA Champions League debut, scoring a goal against Club Bruges, and he started in Milan's European Supercup and Intercontinental Cup victories in 1990.