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There was admirable efficiency in the way the Italian side handled this trip to Scotland. Minimum of fuss. The team from Italy’s capital did, however, meet favourable opposition when putting their European competition bid on the right path. There was a glaring difference in class between the Serie A outfit and a the Scottish team squad that has now suffered defeat in a club record seven continental matches in a row.

Positively, the home side at least fought hard during a second half when surrender felt the probable option. Yet, the match was settled as a competition at that stage. The Scottish club remain rooted to the bottom of the tournament, which should constitute an embarrassment to a club of this standing. The Giallorossi have ambitions again on making proper impact. One slight disappointment here was in not delivering a result appropriately depicting men against boys.

Surprisingly, this represented only the Roman club’s second-ever continental encounter with Scottish opposition since Fairs Cup fixtures with Hibernian in 1961. Their last such match, against the Terrors over two decades later, became marred (to put it politely) 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 plunge to a level that will shortly have major ramifications.

Danny Röhl’s main quality so far as the Rangers support are concerned is that he is not his predecessor. Martin’s dismal tenure as the manager continued for just over four months in the early part of this season. The German coach, the new man at the helm, has shown promise though within a limited timeframe. The technical areas saw a clash of generations; Röhl is thirty-six, his opposite number Gian Piero Gasperini is 67.

Another element was far more striking as the sides lined up. Rangers’ obvious short stature against the Italians looked worrying. That concern was confirmed within the opening quarter-hour as Bryan Cristante easily redirected a corner at the front post. Following up, the Argentine winger sprinted into space to knock Roma ahead. The visitors minus the injured their young striker and Paulo Dybala, who have been criticised for bluntness even with reasonable results in the tournament, were pleased with their early advantage.

The Ibrox side could have levelled matters instantly. Instead, Youssef Chermiti sent his effort off target after a defensive error in the visitors’ backline. Chermiti’s eight-million-pound signing from Everton has piled pressure on the club’s recruitment team. He has at least the physical attributes to be an productive striker but seems unwilling or unable to utilize them fully.

The Italian outfit dominated first-half the ball from that point. Roma doubled their lead through their captain, whose bent effort into the bottom corner of Jack Butland’s net came after a lay off from the Ukrainian forward. The hosts will bemoan the fact Pellegrini was left in blissful isolation but it was a gorgeous finish. The stadium, usually a raucous place on European nights, had been quietened nine minutes before the break. The discontent which greeted the half-time whistle were subdued; the home team were clearly in the process of being outclassed.

The second period began against a unusual atmosphere. Supporters turned their attentions once again towards the top executive, the CEO, and sporting director, Kevin Thelwell. A pair of displays, clearly menacing in message, depicted the duo with targets on their images. It raises questions what the club owner makes of all this. Ultimately, the chairman had an low-profile life as a successful businessman in the United States before fronting a takeover of Rangers. Paying punters have not targeted the owner so far but there is a rebellious mood in the air. It is one which is easy to understand; The team’s leadership is completely unimpressive.

Right on cue, the striker was played in on goal on the hour mark and hit the outside of the goal. This actually triggered the home side’s finest spell of the game, in which their substitute Thelo Aasgaard fired just wide. It was, however, hard to gauge the visitors’ continued attacking motivation until Zeki Celik was given a opportunity from close range which he inexplicably lifted and on to the bottom of the bar.

That was it as far as meaningful opportunity were concerned. The raft of substitutions from each side meant this game closed more in the fashion of a summer exhibition than serious contest. This of course suited Roma perfectly. It prompted reflection to ponder how on earth Rangers, runners-up in this tournament in 2022 and strong enough of the last eight a last year, reached the point of making up the numbers.