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There was impressive effectiveness about the way the Italian side handled this journey to Scotland. Without much drama. Roma from Italy’s capital did, however, face manageable rivals when placing their European competition bid on the right path. Observers noted a glaring gulf in quality between the Serie A outfit and a Rangers side that has now lost a team record seven continental matches in a row.

To their credit, Rangers at least fought hard during a later period when capitulation felt the probable option. Yet, the match was settled as a competition by then. Rangers remain rooted to the foot of the tournament, which should constitute an embarrassment to a club of this standing. Roma have eyes again on making proper impact. Their only regret here was in not producing a scoreline appropriately depicting men against boys.

Surprisingly, this marked only Roma’s second-ever continental encounter with a team from Scotland since Fairs Cup fixtures with Hibs in the early 60s. The previous one, against the Terrors 23 years later, became marred (to put it mildly) by the corruption of a referee. Back then, Scottish clubs could vie with the top sides in Europe. This season has seen the co-efficient drop to a level that will shortly have huge ramifications.

The new manager’s key attribute up to now as the fanbase are concerned is that he isn’t Russell Martin. Martin’s ghastly spell as the head coach lasted just over four months in the initial phase of the campaign. The German coach, the new man at the helm, has displayed potential albeit within a tiny sample size. The technical areas saw a generation game; the Rangers boss is thirty-six, his counterpart Gian Piero Gasperini is 67.

Another element was much more noticeable as the teams took the field. Rangers’ obvious lack of height against the visitors looked ominous. That concern was proven within the opening quarter-hour as the Roma midfielder easily flicked on a set-piece at the front post. Following up, the Argentine winger sprinted into space to knock Roma in front. A Roma team minus the unavailable Evan Ferguson and their star attacker, who have been criticised for bluntness even with decent performances in this campaign, were pleased with their early advantage.

Rangers should have levelled matters immediately. Rather, the forward sent his effort off target after a mix-up in the Roma defence. The player’s eight-million-pound purchase from the Toffees has piled pressure on the club’s recruitment team. He has at least the physique to be an effective striker but seems reluctant or incapable to use them.

Roma controlled first-half possession thereafter. Roma doubled their lead through their captain, whose curling shot into the bottom corner of Jack Butland’s net arrived after a lay off from the Ukrainian forward. The hosts will lament the fact the midfielder was left in blissful isolation but it was a gorgeous strike. The stadium, usually a boisterous place on European nights, had been quietened nine minutes before the break. Even the boos which met the interval were timid; Rangers were clearly in the midst of being overwhelmed.

The second period began against a unusual backdrop. Supporters directed their focus for the latest time towards the top executive, the CEO, and sporting director, the director. A pair of displays, clearly menacing in message, depicted the pair with targets on their images. One wonders what the club owner thinks about all this. After all, Andrew Cavenagh enjoyed an anonymous life as a successful businessman in the United States before fronting a acquisition of this club. Fans have not targeted Cavenagh yet but there is a rebellious feeling around the club. It is one which is unsurprising; The team’s leadership is completely unimpressive.

Right on cue, Chermiti was played in on goal on the 60-minute mark and hit the side netting. That moment sparked the home side’s best period of the match, in which their substitute Thelo Aasgaard shot narrowly past the post. It was, however, difficult to determine the visitors’ continued offensive intent until the full-back was given a opportunity from close range which he inexplicably lifted and on to the bottom of the crossbar.

That opportunity as far as meaningful opportunity were involved. The series of changes from both teams meant this fixture closed more in the style of a pre-season friendly than serious contest. That scenario benefited the Italians perfectly. It prompted reflection to ponder how exactly the Glasgow club, finalists in this competition in 2022 and worthy of the last eight a last year, arrived at the stage of just participating.