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There was admirable efficiency about the way the Italian side handled this journey to Glasgow. Minimum of fuss. Roma from Italy’s capital did, however, meet favourable opposition when placing 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 club record seven continental matches in a row.

Positively, the home side at least fought hard during a second half when surrender felt the more likely outcome. Yet, the match was decided as a competition by then. Rangers remain anchored at the foot of the tournament, which should represent an embarrassment to a club of such stature. The Giallorossi have ambitions once more on making proper impact. One slight disappointment here was in not delivering a scoreline appropriately depicting men against boys.

Surprisingly, this represented only the Roman club’s second-ever continental encounter with a team from Scotland since the historic Fairs Cup business with Hibernian in the early 60s. The previous one, against the Terrors over two decades later, became overshadowed (to put it mildly) by the bribing of a referee. In those days, Scottish clubs could vie with the best in the continent. The current campaign has seen the UEFA coefficient plunge to a level that will shortly have major ramifications.

Danny Röhl’s main quality so far as the fanbase are concerned is that he isn’t his predecessor. Martin’s dismal tenure as the manager continued for just over four months in the initial phase of this season. Röhl, the new man at the helm, has displayed potential albeit within a limited timeframe. The dugouts witnessed a clash of generations; the Rangers boss is 36, his opposite number Gian Piero Gasperini is 67.

A further factor was much more noticeable as the teams lined up. Rangers’ obvious lack of height against the Italians looked worrying. This point was confirmed within 13 minutes as Bryan Cristante comfortably flicked on a set-piece at the front post. Following up, the Argentine winger burst forward to knock Roma ahead. A Roma team minus the unavailable their young striker and Paulo Dybala, who have been questioned for lack of cutting edge even with reasonable performances in this campaign, were pleased with their quick lead.

Rangers should have equalised instantly. Instead, the forward screwed his shot wide after a mix-up in the visitors’ backline. The player’s eight-million-pound signing from Everton has piled pressure on the club’s recruitment team. He has at least the physique to be an productive centre forward but seems reluctant or incapable to utilize them fully.

Roma controlled opening period the ball thereafter. Roma extended their advantage through Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose bent effort into the bottom corner of Jack Butland’s net arrived after a pass from Artem Dovbyk. The hosts will lament the fact the midfielder was left in blissful isolation but it was a superb strike. Ibrox, usually a boisterous place on continental evenings, had been quietened with time still remaining until halftime. Even the boos which met the half-time whistle were timid; Rangers were clearly in the process of being overwhelmed.

The second period started against a curious backdrop. Those Rangers fans directed their focus once again towards the top executive, Patrick Stewart, and transfer chief, the director. A pair of displays, obviously sinister in tone, depicted the duo with bullseyes on their faces. It raises questions what the club owner thinks about all this. Ultimately, the chairman had an low-profile life as a successful businessman in the US before leading a acquisition of this club. Paying punters have not turned on Cavenagh yet but there is a mutinous mood around the club. It is one which is unsurprising; The team’s management is completely unimpressive.

As if scripted, Chermiti was sent through on the keeper on the hour mark and found only the outside of the goal. This actually triggered the home side’s best period of the game, in which their substitute the young midfielder fired just wide. Yet, nonetheless, difficult to gauge Roma’s continued attacking motivation until the full-back was presented with a opportunity from close range which he somehow lifted and on to the bottom of the crossbar.

That was it as far as meaningful opportunity were involved. The series of changes from both teams resulted in this fixture closed more in the fashion of a pre-season friendly than competitive match. That scenario benefited the Italians perfectly. It prompted reflection to ponder how exactly Rangers, runners-up in this competition in 2022 and worthy of the last eight a season ago, arrived at the stage of making up the numbers.