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There was admirable efficiency about the way the Italian side handled this trip to Glasgow. Without much drama. The team from Italy’s capital did, nonetheless, face manageable rivals when putting their European competition bid on the right path. Observers noted a glaring gulf in quality between the Serie A outfit and a the Scottish team squad that has now suffered defeat in a team record seven European games in a row.

To their credit, the home side at least fought hard during a second half when capitulation felt the probable option. Yet, the game was decided as a competition at that stage. Rangers remain rooted to the foot of the tournament, which should represent an disgrace to a club of this standing. Roma have ambitions once more on making proper impact. One slight disappointment in this match was in not producing a result appropriately depicting the mismatch in quality.

Surprisingly, this marked only Roma’s second-ever European joust with Scottish opposition 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 politely) by the bribing of a match official. Back then, Scottish clubs could vie with the best in Europe. The current campaign has seen the co-efficient plunge to a point that will soon have huge ramifications.

The new manager’s key attribute up to now as the Rangers support are see it is that he is not Russell Martin. The latter’s ghastly spell as the manager 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 witnessed a generation game; Röhl is thirty-six, his counterpart the Roma manager is 67.

Another element was far more striking as the teams took the field. The home team’s obvious short stature against the Italians looked ominous. That concern was confirmed within 13 minutes as Bryan Cristante comfortably redirected a set-piece at the near post. Following up, the Argentine winger burst forward to knock Roma in front. The visitors without the unavailable their young striker and Paulo Dybala, who have been questioned for bluntness even with decent results in this campaign, were delighted with their early advantage.

The Ibrox side should have levelled matters immediately. 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 increased scrutiny of the club’s recruitment team. Chermiti possesses at least the physique to be an productive centre forward but appears unwilling or unable to use them.

The Italian outfit dominated first-half possession thereafter. They extended their advantage through Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose curling shot into the bottom corner of Jack Butland’s net came after a pass from Artem Dovbyk. The hosts will bemoan the fact the midfielder stood in blissful isolation but it was a gorgeous finish. Ibrox, typically a raucous venue on European nights, had been silenced nine minutes before the break. Even the boos which met 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 directed their focus once again towards the club’s chief executive, Patrick Stewart, and sporting director, the director. Two banners, clearly sinister in tone, showed the duo with bullseyes on their faces. It raises questions what the Rangers chairman makes of all this. Ultimately, Andrew Cavenagh had an low-profile life as a successful businessman in the US before fronting a acquisition of Rangers. Fans have not turned on Cavenagh so far but there is a rebellious mood around the club. This is easy to understand; Rangers’ leadership is completely unconvincing.

As if scripted, Chermiti was sent through on goal on the hour mark and hit the side netting. That moment sparked Rangers’ best period of the match, in which their substitute the young midfielder shot narrowly past the post. Yet, however, hard to gauge the visitors’ continued offensive intent until Zeki Celik was given a opportunity all of a yard out which he inexplicably lifted and on to the underside of the bar.

That opportunity as far as clear-cut chances were involved. The raft of changes from both teams resulted in this game ended more in the style of a pre-season friendly than serious contest. This of course suited the Italians perfectly. It prompted reflection to consider how exactly the Glasgow club, runners-up in this tournament in 2022 and worthy of the last eight a season ago, arrived at the stage of making up the numbers.