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There was impressive effectiveness in the way Roma handled this journey to Scotland. Without much drama. Roma from Italy’s capital did, nonetheless, face manageable rivals when placing their European competition bid back on track. There was a obvious difference in class between Roma and a Rangers squad that has now lost a club record seven European games consecutively.

Positively, Rangers at least huffed and puffed during a later period when surrender felt the probable option. Yet, the game was settled as a competition at that stage. Rangers remain rooted to the foot of the Europa League, which should represent an disgrace to a club of this standing. Roma have eyes again on achieving significant success. One slight disappointment in this match was in not producing a scoreline appropriately depicting the mismatch in quality.

Surprisingly, this marked only the Roman club’s second-ever European joust with Scottish opposition since the historic Fairs Cup business with Hibernian in the early 60s. Their last such match, against Dundee United 23 years later, became marred (to put it mildly) by the corruption of a referee. Back then, teams from Scotland could compete with the best in Europe. This season has seen the UEFA coefficient drop to a level that will soon have huge ramifications.

Danny Röhl’s key attribute up to now as the fanbase are concerned is that he is not his predecessor. The latter’s dismal spell as the head coach lasted just over four months in the early part of this season. Röhl, the new man at the helm, has displayed potential though within a limited timeframe. The dugouts witnessed a generation game; Röhl is 36, his opposite number the Roma manager is 67.

Another element was much more noticeable as the sides took the field. Rangers’ glaring short stature against the visitors looked ominous. That concern was proven within the opening quarter-hour as the Roma midfielder comfortably redirected a corner at the front post. At the back, Matías Soulé sprinted into space to fire Roma ahead. The visitors without the injured their young striker and Paulo Dybala, who have been criticised for bluntness despite reasonable performances in this campaign, were delighted with their quick lead.

The Ibrox side should have levelled matters immediately. Instead, the forward sent his effort off target after a defensive error in the Roma defence. The player’s eight-million-pound signing from the Toffees has increased scrutiny of the Rangers transfer hierarchy. He has at least the physical attributes to be an effective centre forward but appears reluctant or incapable to utilize them fully.

Roma dominated first-half possession thereafter. They doubled their lead through their captain, whose curling shot into the far post of the goalkeeper’s net came after a pass from Artem Dovbyk. Rangers will bemoan the fact Pellegrini stood in complete freedom but it was a gorgeous strike. Ibrox, usually a raucous venue on European nights, had been quietened nine minutes before the break. The discontent which met the interval were subdued; the home team were clearly in the midst of being outclassed.

The second period started against a unusual backdrop. Supporters turned their attentions for the latest time towards the club’s chief executive, Patrick Stewart, and transfer chief, Kevin Thelwell. 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 enjoyed an anonymous career as a successful businessman in the United States before fronting a acquisition of Rangers. Fans have not turned on Cavenagh yet but there is a rebellious feeling around the club. This is easy to understand; The team’s management is wholly unconvincing.

Right on cue, Chermiti was sent through on goal on the 60-minute mark and hit the outside of the goal. This actually triggered the home side’s best period of the match, in which their substitute the young midfielder fired just wide. It was, however, hard to gauge the visitors’ remaining attacking motivation until the full-back was given a opportunity from close range which he somehow lifted and on to the bottom of the bar.

That was it as far as meaningful chances were involved. The series of substitutions from both teams resulted in this fixture closed more in the fashion of a summer exhibition than serious contest. That scenario benefited the Italians fine. There was cause to consider how exactly Rangers, finalists in this tournament in recently and strong enough of the quarter-finals a season ago, reached the stage of just participating.