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There was impressive effectiveness about the way Roma handled this trip to Scotland. Without much drama. Roma from Italy’s capital did, however, face manageable rivals when putting their European competition bid back on track. Observers noted a glaring difference in class between Roma and a Rangers squad that has now lost a team record seven European games in a row.

Positively, Rangers at least fought hard during a second half when surrender felt the probable option. However, the match was decided as a competition at that stage. Rangers remain anchored at the bottom of the tournament, which should represent an disgrace to a team of this standing. The Giallorossi have ambitions again on achieving significant success. One slight disappointment here was in not producing a result appropriately depicting the mismatch in quality.

Surprisingly, this marked only Roma’s second-ever European joust with a team from Scotland since Fairs Cup fixtures with Hibernian in 1961. Their last such match, against Dundee United over two decades later, became overshadowed (to put it mildly) by the corruption of a referee. Back then, teams from Scotland could vie with the top sides in the continent. This season has seen the co-efficient plunge to a level that will shortly have huge consequences.

Danny Röhl’s key attribute so far as the fanbase are concerned is that he isn’t his predecessor. The latter’s dismal tenure as the head coach continued for 123 days in the initial phase of the campaign. The German coach, the new man at the helm, has shown promise albeit within a limited timeframe. The technical areas witnessed a clash of generations; Röhl is 36, his opposite number the Roma manager is sixty-seven.

A further factor was much more noticeable as the sides lined up. The home team’s obvious lack of height against the Italians looked ominous. This point was proven within 13 minutes as Bryan Cristante comfortably redirected a corner at the near post. At the back, the Argentine winger burst forward to fire his team ahead. The visitors without the injured Evan Ferguson and Paulo Dybala, who have been criticised for lack of cutting edge despite decent performances in the tournament, were pleased with their early advantage.

The Ibrox side could have equalised immediately. Rather, the forward screwed his shot wide after a defensive error in the Roma defence. Chermiti’s eight-million-pound purchase from Everton has increased scrutiny of the Rangers transfer hierarchy. Chermiti possesses at least the physique to be an effective striker but seems reluctant or incapable to utilize them fully.

The Italian outfit controlled opening period possession from that point. Roma doubled their lead through their captain, whose curling shot into the far post of the goalkeeper’s net came after a pass from Artem Dovbyk. Rangers will lament the fact Pellegrini was left in blissful isolation but it was a superb finish. Ibrox, usually a boisterous place on continental evenings, had been quietened with time still remaining before the break. The discontent which met the half-time whistle were timid; the home team were clearly in the process of being overwhelmed.

The second period started against a unusual backdrop. Supporters directed their focus for the latest time towards the top executive, the CEO, and sporting director, Kevin Thelwell. Two banners, clearly sinister in tone, showed the pair with bullseyes on their images. It raises questions what the club owner thinks about all this. Ultimately, Andrew Cavenagh enjoyed an low-profile life as a wealthy entrepreneur in the United States before leading a acquisition of Rangers. Fans have not turned on the owner yet but there is a rebellious feeling around the club. It is one which is unsurprising; Rangers’ leadership is wholly unimpressive.

Right on cue, the striker was played in on goal on the 60-minute mark and hit the outside of the goal. This actually triggered Rangers’ best period of the match, in which their replacement the young midfielder fired just wide. It was, however, difficult to determine the visitors’ continued offensive intent until Zeki Celik was presented with a opportunity from close range which he somehow lifted and onto the bottom of the crossbar.

That was it as far as clear-cut chances were concerned. The series of substitutions from each side meant this game closed more in the fashion of a pre-season friendly than serious contest. This of course suited Roma fine. It prompted reflection to consider how on earth Rangers, runners-up in this competition in recently and worthy of the last eight a season ago, reached the point of just participating.