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Roma displayed impressive effectiveness in the way the Italian side handled this trip to Scotland. Without much drama. The team from Italy’s capital did, however, face manageable rivals when putting their Europa League bid on the right path. Observers noted a obvious difference in class between the Serie A outfit and a the Scottish team squad that has now lost a team record seven continental matches consecutively.

To their credit, Rangers at least fought hard during a later period when surrender felt the probable outcome. Yet, the game was settled as a competition by then. Rangers remain anchored at the foot of the tournament, which should constitute an embarrassment to a club of this standing. The Giallorossi have eyes again on making proper impact. Their only regret in this match was in not delivering a scoreline that truly reflected men against boys.

Surprisingly, this marked only the Roman club’s second continental encounter with a team from Scotland since the historic Fairs Cup business with Hibernian in 1961. The previous one, against the Terrors over two decades later, became marred (to put it mildly) by the bribing of a match official. In those days, teams from Scotland could vie with the top sides in the continent. The current campaign has seen the co-efficient drop to a point that will shortly have major ramifications.

Danny Röhl’s main quality up to now as the Rangers support are see it is that he isn’t Russell Martin. The latter’s ghastly spell as the manager lasted just over four months in the early part of this season. The German coach, the recent appointment at the helm, has displayed potential though within a limited timeframe. The dugouts witnessed a generation game; Röhl is 36, his counterpart the Roma manager is 67.

Another element was much more noticeable as the teams took the field. The home team’s glaring lack of height against the visitors looked worrying. That concern was proven within the opening quarter-hour as Bryan Cristante comfortably redirected a set-piece at the front post. Following up, the Argentine winger burst forward to knock Roma ahead. The visitors minus the injured their young striker and Paulo Dybala, who have been criticised for bluntness even with reasonable performances in this campaign, were delighted with their quick lead.

Rangers should have equalised immediately. Rather, Youssef Chermiti sent his effort off target after a defensive error in the Roma defence. Chermiti’s £8m signing from Everton has piled pressure on the club’s recruitment team. Chermiti possesses at least the physique to be an productive striker but seems reluctant or incapable to use them.

Roma dominated first-half possession thereafter. Roma doubled their lead through their captain, whose bent effort into the bottom corner of Jack Butland’s net arrived after a pass from the Ukrainian forward. Rangers will lament the fact the midfielder stood in blissful isolation but it was a gorgeous finish. The stadium, typically a boisterous place on continental evenings, had been quietened with time still remaining until halftime. The discontent which met the half-time whistle were timid; the home team were simply in the midst of being overwhelmed.

After the break started against a unusual atmosphere. Supporters turned their attentions for the latest time towards the top executive, Patrick Stewart, and sporting director, the director. Two banners, clearly menacing in message, showed the pair with bullseyes on their faces. One wonders what the Rangers chairman makes of all this. After all, Andrew Cavenagh enjoyed an low-profile life as a successful businessman in the United States before fronting a acquisition of this club. Fans have not targeted the owner yet but there is a rebellious feeling around the club. It is one which is unsurprising; The team’s leadership is completely unimpressive.

As if scripted, the striker was sent through on the keeper on the 60-minute mark and found only the side netting. That moment sparked Rangers’ finest spell of the game, in which their replacement the young midfielder shot narrowly past the post. It was, nonetheless, difficult to gauge Roma’s continued offensive intent until the full-back was presented with a opportunity from close range which he somehow hit up and onto the underside of the bar.

That was it as far as meaningful opportunity were involved. The raft of changes from each side resulted in this game ended more in the fashion of a summer exhibition than serious contest. This of course suited Roma fine. There was cause to ponder how exactly the Glasgow club, finalists in this tournament in recently and strong enough of the quarter-finals a last year, reached the point of making up the numbers.