David De Gea’s return to football after over a year has not gone as planned, as Fiorentina manager Raffaele Palladino has relegated him to the bench following a disappointing debut performance. The former Manchester United goalkeeper, who joined the Italian club after a lengthy period without a team, faced an immediate setback after his first appearance did not meet expectations.
De Gea’s debut for Fiorentina took place last Thursday in a UEFA Conference League match against Hungarian side Puskás Akadémia. In this game, De Gea conceded two early goals, contributing to a 3-3 draw. The performance raised concerns about his readiness and form, leading to his subsequent exclusion from the starting lineup in Fiorentina’s Serie A match against Venezia on Sunday.
Instead of De Gea, Fiorentina’s backup goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano was chosen to start the Serie A match. Terracciano performed well, earning a clean sheet in the goalless draw. This decision underscores the immediate impact of De Gea’s debut performance on his status within the team.
David De Gea signed a one-year contract with Fiorentina, which includes an option for an additional year. Prior to this move, he had been without a club since leaving Manchester United in 2023. During his 12-year tenure at Old Trafford, De Gea made 545 appearances and won eight major trophies, including a Premier League title.
