Italian media make their feelings clear on David de Gea after just five games for Fiorentina

Some members of the Italian media have already formed a strong opinion on David de Gea, just five games into his Fiorentina career.

The 33-year-old, who spent 12 months as a free agent after leaving Manchester United, recently penned a one-year deal at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, with the option to extend for another year.

Shortly after signing on the dotted line, De Gea was named on the bench for the club's Serie A opener against Parma.

But five days later, the Spaniard made his first competitive appearance in 446 days, when Fiorentina came up against Hungarian side Puskas Akademia in the Europa Conference League.

It was a far-from-perfect start as De Gea conceded two goals in 12 minutes on his debut.

But the former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper has impressed of late. In fact, he kept the first clean sheet of his Fiorentina career on Sunday in their 0-0 draw with Empoli.

Speaking after the game, former Juventus and Genoa goalkeeper Rubinho, who has turned to punditry since retiring, said the goalkeeper was still "suffering" from inactivity.

That being said, there have been promising signs in recent weeks.

"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," he told Radio Firenze Viola.

"I think he can only grow further and show everyone the qualities he has. He is a top goalkeeper and seeing him defend Fiorentina’s goal reminds me of when there were the likes of [Francesco] Toldo and [Sebastien] Frey.”

At the end of last month, another former goalkeeper, Cristiano Lupatelli, spoke to Radio Firenze Viola about the Spaniard.

"He will bring points. He has already shown it in his performances," he said. "Then he brings experience to give to his teammates, but (Pietro) Terracciano is also well-versed, he did well. Fiorentina is in good hands.

"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."

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Gianluca Berti, another former Fiorentina shot-stopper, was also bold in his verdict. "He's a goalkeeper who needs no introduction, he played his whole life at Manchester United," the 57-year-old said.

"It was a year of inactivity, the first games are easier afterwards. You have to find the measurements of the goal and the penalty area, and get to know your teammates. But he's come in and had a major impact".

De Gea explained his decision to join La Viola during his first press conference as a Fiorentina player.

“I received many offers but I wanted to play in Italy," he said. "The negotiation was simple, Fiorentina were the best option. Many people wanted to see me return to action, which is a good sign.”