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Roma displayed impressive effectiveness in the way the Italian side handled this journey to Glasgow. Without much drama. Roma from Italy’s capital did, however, face manageable rivals when putting their European competition bid on the right path. There was a obvious gulf in quality between the Serie A outfit and a Rangers squad that has now suffered defeat in a club record seven European games in a row.

To their credit, Rangers at least fought hard during a second half when surrender felt the more likely outcome. Yet, the match was decided as a contest at that stage. The Scottish club remain anchored at the bottom of the Europa League, which should constitute an embarrassment to a club of such stature. Roma have eyes again on achieving significant success. One slight disappointment in this match was in not delivering a result that truly reflected the mismatch in quality.

Surprisingly, this marked only Roma’s second European joust with Scottish opposition since Fairs Cup fixtures with Hibs in the early 60s. The previous one, against Dundee United over two decades later, became overshadowed (to put it politely) by the bribing 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 point that will soon have huge consequences.

The new manager’s main quality up to now as the Rangers support are concerned is that he isn’t Russell Martin. Martin’s dismal spell as the manager continued for 123 days in the initial phase of the campaign. The German coach, the recent appointment at the helm, has displayed potential albeit within a limited timeframe. The technical areas witnessed a generation game; the Rangers boss is 36, his counterpart the Roma manager is sixty-seven.

Another element was far more striking as the sides took the field. The home team’s glaring lack of height against the visitors looked ominous. That concern was proven within 13 minutes as the Roma midfielder easily redirected a corner at the near post. Following up, the Argentine winger sprinted into space to knock Roma ahead. A Roma team minus the injured their young striker and Paulo Dybala, who have been questioned for lack of cutting edge despite decent results in the tournament, were pleased with their early advantage.

The Ibrox side should have levelled matters instantly. Rather, Youssef Chermiti screwed his shot wide after a defensive error in the visitors’ backline. Chermiti’s eight-million-pound purchase from the Toffees has increased scrutiny of the Rangers transfer hierarchy. Chermiti possesses at least the physique to be an effective centre forward but appears reluctant or incapable to utilize them fully.

The Italian outfit controlled first-half the ball thereafter. Roma extended their advantage through their captain, whose curling shot into the far post of Jack Butland’s net came after a lay off from Artem Dovbyk. Rangers will lament the fact Pellegrini was left in complete freedom but it was a gorgeous strike. Ibrox, typically a boisterous place on European nights, had been quietened nine minutes until halftime. Even the boos which met the interval were subdued; Rangers were clearly in the process 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, Kevin Thelwell. Two banners, obviously menacing in message, depicted the pair with targets on their faces. It raises questions what the club owner thinks about the situation. Ultimately, Andrew Cavenagh had an low-profile life as a wealthy entrepreneur in the United States before leading a takeover of this club. Paying punters have not targeted Cavenagh yet but there is a mutinous mood around the club. This is easy to understand; Rangers’ management is wholly unimpressive.

As if scripted, the striker was sent through on goal on the hour mark and hit the side netting. This actually triggered Rangers’ finest spell of the game, in which their replacement Thelo Aasgaard fired just wide. It was, however, difficult to gauge the visitors’ remaining offensive intent until the full-back was presented with a chance all of a yard out which he inexplicably lifted and on to the bottom of the bar.

That was it as far as clear-cut opportunity were concerned. The series of substitutions from each side meant this game closed more in the style of a summer exhibition than competitive match. That scenario benefited the Italians fine. It prompted reflection to consider how exactly Rangers, finalists in this tournament in 2022 and worthy of the quarter-finals a last year, reached the point of just participating.