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Roma displayed admirable efficiency in the way the Italian side handled this trip to Glasgow. Without much drama. The team from Rome did, nonetheless, face manageable rivals when placing their Europa League bid on the right path. There was a glaring difference in class between the Serie A outfit and a Rangers squad that has now lost a team record seven European games in a row.

To their credit, Rangers at least huffed and puffed during a later period when surrender felt the probable option. Yet, the game was settled as a contest at that stage. Rangers remain rooted to the foot of the Europa League, which should constitute an disgrace to a team of this standing. The Giallorossi have eyes once more on achieving significant success. Their only regret in this match was in not delivering a result that truly reflected men against boys.

Amazingly, this represented only Roma’s second-ever continental encounter with a team from Scotland since the historic Fairs Cup business with Hibs in 1961. Their last such match, against the Terrors 23 years later, became overshadowed (to put it mildly) by the bribing of a referee. In those days, Scottish clubs could vie with the best in the continent. The current campaign has seen the UEFA coefficient drop to a level that will soon have huge ramifications.

Danny Röhl’s key attribute up to now as the Rangers support are concerned is that he isn’t his predecessor. The latter’s ghastly spell as the head coach continued for 123 days in the early part of this season. The German coach, the new man at the helm, has shown promise albeit within a limited timeframe. The technical areas saw a clash of generations; the Rangers boss is 36, his opposite number Gian Piero Gasperini is 67.

Another element was much more noticeable as the sides lined up. Rangers’ obvious short stature against the Italians looked ominous. That concern was proven within the opening quarter-hour as the Roma midfielder easily flicked on a corner at the near post. Following up, Matías Soulé burst forward to knock his team ahead. The visitors minus the injured their young striker and Paulo Dybala, who have been criticised for bluntness even with decent performances in this campaign, were delighted with their early advantage.

Rangers could have equalised immediately. Rather, Youssef Chermiti screwed his shot wide after a defensive error in the Roma defence. Chermiti’s eight-million-pound purchase from Everton has piled pressure on the club’s recruitment team. Chermiti possesses at least the physique to be an effective centre forward but seems reluctant or incapable to utilize them fully.

The Italian outfit controlled opening period the ball from that point. Roma doubled their lead through their captain, whose curling shot into the far post of Jack Butland’s net came after a pass from the Ukrainian forward. The hosts will bemoan the fact the midfielder stood in complete freedom but it was a gorgeous strike. The stadium, usually a boisterous place on continental evenings, had been quietened nine minutes before the break. Even the boos which greeted the half-time whistle were timid; the home team were simply in the midst of being overwhelmed.

The second period started against a curious atmosphere. Supporters turned their attentions for the latest time towards the top executive, Patrick Stewart, and transfer chief, the director. A pair of displays, clearly menacing in message, showed the duo with bullseyes on their faces. It raises questions what the Rangers chairman makes of all this. After all, Andrew Cavenagh enjoyed an anonymous career as a successful businessman in the United States before fronting a takeover of this club. Paying punters have not targeted Cavenagh yet but there is a rebellious mood around the club. It is one which is easy to understand; Rangers’ leadership is wholly unimpressive.

As if scripted, the striker was sent through on the keeper on the 60-minute mark and found only the side netting. This actually triggered Rangers’ best period of the match, in which their replacement Thelo Aasgaard shot narrowly past the post. Yet, nonetheless, hard to determine Roma’s remaining offensive intent until the full-back was presented with a opportunity from close range which he somehow lifted and onto the underside of the bar.

That was it as far as clear-cut opportunity were involved. The raft of changes from each side meant this game ended more in the fashion of a pre-season friendly than serious contest. This of course suited the Italians perfectly. There was cause to ponder how exactly Rangers, runners-up in this competition in 2022 and strong enough of the quarter-finals a season ago, arrived at the stage of making up the numbers.