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There was impressive effectiveness in the way the Italian side dealt with this trip to Scotland. Minimum of fuss. Roma from Italy’s capital did, nonetheless, face manageable rivals when putting their Europa League bid on the right path. Observers noted a obvious gulf in quality between Roma and a Rangers squad that has now suffered defeat in a club record seven European games in a row.

To their credit, the home side at least fought hard during a second half when capitulation felt the probable outcome. Yet, the match was settled as a contest by then. The Scottish club remain rooted to the foot of the Europa League, which should represent an disgrace to a team of such stature. The Giallorossi have eyes again on achieving significant success. One slight disappointment here was in not delivering a scoreline that truly reflected the mismatch in quality.

Surprisingly, this marked only the Roman club’s second continental encounter with Scottish opposition since Fairs Cup fixtures with Hibernian in 1961. The previous one, against Dundee United over two decades later, became marred (to put it politely) by the corruption of a referee. Back then, Scottish clubs could vie with the best in Europe. This season has seen the co-efficient plunge to a level that will shortly have huge consequences.

The new manager’s main quality up to now as the Rangers support are see it is that he is not his predecessor. The latter’s dismal tenure as the manager lasted just over four months in the initial phase of the campaign. The German coach, the new man at the helm, has displayed potential though within a tiny sample size. The technical areas saw a generation game; Röhl is thirty-six, his opposite number Gian Piero Gasperini is 67.

A further factor was far more striking as the teams took the field. Rangers’ obvious lack of height against the Italians looked worrying. That concern was confirmed within the opening quarter-hour as Bryan Cristante comfortably flicked on a corner at the near post. Following up, Matías Soulé burst forward to knock Roma in front. The visitors without the injured their young striker and Paulo Dybala, who have been criticised for bluntness despite decent performances in the tournament, were delighted with their early advantage.

Rangers should have levelled matters instantly. Rather, Youssef Chermiti screwed his shot wide after a mix-up in the Roma defence. The player’s eight-million-pound purchase from the Toffees has piled pressure on the club’s recruitment team. Chermiti possesses at least the physique to be an productive centre forward but seems reluctant or incapable to use them.

The Italian outfit controlled opening period possession from that point. Roma extended their advantage through Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose curling shot into the far post of the goalkeeper’s net arrived after a lay off from the Ukrainian forward. Rangers will bemoan the fact the midfielder was left in blissful isolation but it was a gorgeous finish. The stadium, typically a raucous venue on continental evenings, had been quietened with time still remaining until halftime. Even the boos which met the half-time whistle were timid; the home team were clearly in the process of being overwhelmed.

After the break began against a unusual atmosphere. Supporters directed their focus once again towards the top executive, the CEO, and sporting director, the director. Two banners, obviously sinister in message, showed the duo with targets on their faces. One wonders what the Rangers chairman thinks about the situation. After all, the chairman had an anonymous career as a wealthy entrepreneur in the US before fronting a acquisition of Rangers. Fans have not targeted Cavenagh so far but there is a rebellious feeling around the club. This is easy to understand; The team’s management is completely unconvincing.

As if scripted, Chermiti was sent through on goal on the hour mark and found only the outside of the goal. That moment sparked Rangers’ finest spell of the match, in which their substitute Thelo Aasgaard fired just wide. Yet, however, difficult to gauge Roma’s continued offensive intent until the full-back was given a chance from close range which he somehow lifted and onto the bottom of the crossbar.

That opportunity as far as meaningful opportunity were involved. The series of changes from each side resulted in this fixture ended more in the fashion of a summer exhibition than competitive match. That scenario benefited Roma perfectly. There was cause to consider how on earth the Glasgow club, runners-up in this tournament in 2022 and worthy of the quarter-finals a season ago, arrived at the point of just participating.