After leaving Manchester United and enduring a 14-month hiatus from the game, David de Gea has embarked on a new chapter with Fiorentina, where he's expected to readjust to regular football. De Gea, who signed a one-year deal with the Italian club in August, has already made five appearances in the past six weeks, including one clean sheet, as he settles into the Serie A.

His return to action after 446 days was less than ideal, with Fiorentina managing only a 3-3 draw against Puskas Akademia in the Europa Conference League play-offs. However, the 33-year-old redeemed himself by pulling off crucial saves in a penalty shootout during his second outing.

Despite some initial hesitation from Fiorentina coach Raffaele Palladino to start him over Pietro Terracciano, De Gea has since secured the goalkeeping spot for the team's recent league games.

Former Fiorentina keeper Rubinho has called for patience from the fans, noting De Gea's lengthy absence from competitive play. Speaking to Radio Firenze Viola following a goalless match against Empoli, Rubinho said: "De Gea is still suffering from having been out for more than a year. But he has already helped Fiorentina a lot in these first games," and added, "I think he can only grow further and show everyone the qualities he has."

He also praised De Gea's abilities, comparing his presence in goal to Fiorentina legends Francesco Toldo and Sebastien Frey, reports the Mirror.

Following his exclusion from a 2-2 draw against Monza, Fiorentina manager Palladino publicly called on De Gea to step up his game. "There isn't a hierarchy right now. I wanted to see De Gea and Terracciano to understand," Palladino explained.

"I am happy with both. David hadn't played for a year, so I preferred Terracciano. We'll evaluate a few things in the coming days."

Currently 11th in Serie A after achieving only one win in six games, Fiorentina has nonetheless displayed promising signs of progress, as has De Gea. The experienced Spanish keeper was particularly impressive during the recent 2-1 victory against Lazio, gradually convincing doubters of his form.

Cristiano Lupatelli, a former Fiorentina goalkeeper, praised De Gea on Radio Firenze Viola: "He will bring points, he has already shown it in his performances. Then he brings experience to give to his teammates, but Terracciano is also well-versed, he did well. Fiorentina is in good hands."

He further commented on the evolving role of goalkeepers, saying: "The hierarchies are dictated by the coaches, once only the first was the starter, in modern football and clubs like Fiorentina that play in Europe need two good goalkeepers. The second must be a starter to keep the team's level high."