Ayaka Kushibiki, the young Japanese goalkeeper, faced a challenging debut for Parma as the team succumbed to a disheartening 0-5 defeat against AS Roma on December 22, 2024, at the Stadio Olimpico. This match not only marks the worst loss for Parma this season but also signifies the team’s first consecutive three-game losing streak.
Kushibiki, who joined Parma from Belgian side Sint-Truiden earlier this season, played the full 90 minutes. Unfortunately, the match illustrated the struggles both she and the team have been enduring. From the outset, Parma faced considerable challenges, allowing Roma to take control early.
The downfall began just eight minutes in when Parma’s defense committed the grave error of giving away a penalty. An opposing forward was taken down by one of Kushibiki’s teammates, allowing Roma’s striker to slot the ball home, catching Kushibiki off guard and establishing the tone for the match.
Just five minutes later, Roma struck again, this time with a stunning volley, leaving Parma's defense scrambling. Although Kushibiki managed to showcase moments of skill, including calm stops, the relentless offense from Roma proved too much. The first half closed with significant pressure on Kushibiki, but she bravely halted multiple attempts, demonstrating her resolve even as her team struggled to find footing.
The second half did not fare any brighter for the visitors. Within six minutes, they let another goal slip past, and soon after, another foul led to another penalty against Kushibiki. This time, Roma's midfielder executed the shot without hesitation, marking the third goal against Kushibiki before the match reached the 75-minute mark. The last blow was delivered shortly afterward when Roma scored again, marking the end of the night with zero goals for Parma and five against them.
The match statistics reveal the stark reality of Parma's situation, as they failed to convert scoring opportunities throughout the game. This defeat followed another zero-scoring loss to Genoa just weeks prior, highlighting the team’s struggles to maintain momentum.
Yet it wasn’t all negativity for Kushibiki, who arrived at Parma with hopes of showcasing her talent after securing the spot as Japan’s national goalkeeper earlier this year. She has impressed on international stages, having played key matches including the Asian Cup and World Cup qualifiers. Notably, she became the youngest Japanese goalkeeper to appear at this level, a feat achieved just after turning 22.
Despite the crushing loss, those close to the team remain hopeful about Kushibiki's prospects. A source from inside the club noted, “This marks the first tough match for Kushibiki since joining us, but every player has to face challenges like these at some point. It’s part of the learning curve.”
While the match may be remembered as one of despair for the team, it is also seen as a stepping stone for Kushibiki. She has faced persistent adversity, including being sidelined after receiving a red card early in the season. Her ability to return to starting position and face one of the league’s strongest teams head-on is commendable.
Looking forward, the attention turns to how Kushibiki and Parma will rebound from this significant setback. The path to recovery will require addressing defensive issues and developing offensive strategies to create scoring opportunities. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as the season progresses, eager to see if their young goalkeeper can channel this experience to ascend with her team.
Though the specter of this heavy loss looms over Parma, the prospect of growth and resilience shines through, especially for Ayaka Kushibiki as she settles more comfortably within her role as not just the team’s goalkeeper, but also its burgeoning star.
