🔗 Share this article

There was admirable efficiency in the way the Italian side dealt with this journey to Scotland. Without much drama. The team 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 Roma and a Rangers side that has now suffered defeat in a team record seven continental matches in a row.

To their credit, the home side at least huffed and puffed during a second half when surrender felt the probable outcome. Yet, the game was decided as a competition at that stage. Rangers remain anchored at the foot of the Europa League, which should represent an embarrassment to a club of this standing. The Giallorossi have eyes again on achieving significant success. One slight disappointment here was in not delivering a result appropriately depicting the mismatch in quality.

Surprisingly, this represented only Roma’s second European joust with Scottish opposition since Fairs Cup business with Hibs in the early 60s. Their last such match, against Dundee United over two decades later, became overshadowed (to put it politely) by the corruption of a referee. Back then, teams from Scotland could vie with the best in the continent. The current campaign has seen the co-efficient plunge to a point that will shortly have huge ramifications.

Danny Röhl’s main quality up to now as the fanbase are concerned is that he isn’t his predecessor. Martin’s dismal tenure as the head coach continued for 123 days in the initial phase of this season. The German coach, the new man at the helm, has shown promise though within a limited timeframe. The dugouts saw a generation game; Röhl is 36, his opposite number Gian Piero Gasperini is 67.

Another element was much more noticeable as the sides lined up. Rangers’ glaring short stature against the visitors looked worrying. That concern was confirmed within 13 minutes as Bryan Cristante comfortably redirected a set-piece at the near post. At the back, the Argentine winger burst forward to fire Roma ahead. The visitors minus the injured their young striker and Paulo Dybala, who have been questioned for lack of cutting edge even with decent performances in this campaign, were pleased with their early advantage.

Rangers should have equalised instantly. Instead, Youssef Chermiti screwed his shot wide after a mix-up in the Roma defence. 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 striker but appears unwilling or unable to utilize them fully.

Roma controlled first-half the ball thereafter. They extended their advantage through Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose curling shot into the bottom corner of Jack Butland’s net came after a lay off from Artem Dovbyk. Rangers will lament the fact Pellegrini stood in blissful isolation but it was a superb finish. Ibrox, typically a boisterous venue on continental evenings, had been quietened with time still remaining before the break. Even the boos which greeted the interval were timid; Rangers were simply in the midst of being outclassed.

The second period started against a unusual backdrop. Supporters turned their attentions once again towards the top executive, Patrick Stewart, and transfer chief, Kevin Thelwell. Two banners, clearly menacing in message, showed the duo with targets on their faces. One wonders what the club owner thinks about all this. After all, the chairman had an anonymous career as a successful businessman in the United States before leading a acquisition of this club. Fans have not turned on the owner so far but there is a mutinous feeling around the club. It is one which is unsurprising; The team’s leadership is completely unimpressive.

Right on cue, Chermiti was sent through on the keeper on the hour mark and found only the side netting. This actually triggered Rangers’ best period of the game, in which their replacement Thelo Aasgaard fired just wide. Yet, however, difficult to gauge the visitors’ remaining attacking motivation until Zeki Celik was given a chance 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 both teams meant this fixture closed more in the style of a pre-season friendly than serious contest. That scenario benefited the Italians fine. It prompted reflection to consider how exactly the Glasgow club, finalists in this tournament in recently and worthy of the last eight a season ago, arrived at the point of just participating.