Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea made his Fiorentina debut in the UEFA Conference League qualifier against Hungarian side Puskas Academy in the early hours of August 23rd. The match ended in a 3-3 draw, but it was a tough night for De Gea, who conceded three goals.
Puskas Academy, a relatively small club who finished third in the Hungarian league last season, has a total market value of just €9.95 million, according to Transfermarkt. Fiorentina, on the other hand, has a market value of €286.45 million, highlighting the significant disparity in strength between the two teams.
Fiorentina manager Vincenzo Italiano decided to start De Gea, marking his first competitive appearance in 446 days. However, the 34-year-old’s return did not go as smoothly as expected. He conceded two goals within the first 12 minutes of the match. In the 9th minute, despite diving in the right direction, he was unable to stop N’Golo’s penalty. Then, in the 12th minute, a shot from Soisalo went past him to make it 2-0.
Fiorentina, boasting a clear advantage in personnel, quickly pulled three goals back, taking the lead at 3-2. However, they were unable to hold onto their narrow advantage. In the 89th minute, Puskas Academy equalised with a header from Gorla from a set-piece, making the final score 3-3.
Despite saving a close-range header in the 80th minute, De Gea’s performance throughout the game was not enough to salvage the situation. Fans on social media were critical of his performance: “He should retire,” commented one user. “Just one year out of action and the Premier League Golden Glove turns into an amateur,” another added. Still, others believed: “This could be De Gea’s last appearance for Fiorentina.”
Manchester United fans also voiced their opinions: “It’s weird seeing De Gea in another team’s jersey,” one remarked. Another added: “Nothing has changed for De Gea, he’s already conceded two goals in 12 minutes.”
Following the 3-3 draw with Puskas Academy at home, Fiorentina will need to win the second leg away on August 30th to secure their place in the next round.
This article is from a user submission and does not represent the views of Soccer News Pick. If you repost it, please indicate the source: https://www.soccernewspick.com/serie-a/23791.html
