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There was admirable efficiency in the way the Italian side handled this trip to Scotland. Minimum of fuss. Roma from Rome did, however, meet favourable opposition when putting their European competition bid back on track. Observers noted a glaring gulf in quality between the Serie A outfit and a the Scottish team side that has now suffered defeat in a club record seven European games in a row.

Positively, the home side at least fought hard during a second half when surrender felt the more likely option. Yet, the match was decided as a contest at that stage. Rangers remain anchored at the foot of the Europa League, which should constitute an disgrace to a club of such stature. Roma have eyes again on achieving significant success. One slight disappointment here was in not delivering a result appropriately depicting men against boys.

Amazingly, this represented only the Roman club’s second-ever continental encounter with Scottish opposition since the historic Fairs Cup business with Hibs in the early 60s. Their last such match, against Dundee United 23 years later, became marred (to put it politely) by the bribing of a referee. Back then, Scottish clubs could compete with the top sides in Europe. This season has seen the co-efficient plunge to a level that will soon have major ramifications.

The new manager’s main quality so far as the Rangers support are see it is that he is not Russell Martin. Martin’s dismal tenure as the manager continued for just over four months in the initial phase of this season. The German coach, the recent appointment at the helm, has shown promise albeit within a limited timeframe. The technical areas saw a clash of generations; Röhl is 36, his opposite number the Roma manager is 67.

A further factor was far more striking as the sides lined up. Rangers’ obvious lack of height against the visitors looked ominous. This point was proven within the opening quarter-hour as the Roma midfielder comfortably redirected a set-piece at the front post. Following up, Matías Soulé sprinted into space to fire Roma in front. The visitors without the injured Evan Ferguson and Paulo Dybala, who have been questioned for bluntness despite decent performances in the tournament, were delighted with their quick lead.

The Ibrox side could have levelled matters instantly. Instead, Youssef Chermiti sent his effort off target after a mix-up in the visitors’ backline. Chermiti’s £8m purchase from the Toffees has increased scrutiny of the club’s recruitment team. Chermiti possesses at least the physical attributes to be an effective centre forward but appears unwilling or unable to use them.

Roma controlled first-half possession from that point. They extended their advantage through Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose curling shot into the bottom corner of Jack Butland’s net arrived after a lay off from Artem Dovbyk. The hosts will bemoan the fact Pellegrini was left in blissful isolation but it was a gorgeous strike. The stadium, usually a boisterous venue on continental evenings, had been quietened with time still remaining before the break. The discontent which met the interval were subdued; the home team were clearly in the process of being outclassed.

The second period started against a curious atmosphere. Supporters directed their focus for the latest time towards the top executive, Patrick Stewart, and transfer chief, the director. A pair of displays, obviously sinister in tone, showed the pair with targets on their images. It raises questions what the Rangers chairman makes of all this. After all, the chairman had an low-profile career as a successful businessman in the United States before leading a acquisition of Rangers. Paying punters have not targeted Cavenagh so far but there is a rebellious feeling around the club. This is easy to understand; The team’s leadership is wholly unimpressive.

Right on cue, the striker was sent through on goal on the 60-minute mark and hit the outside of the goal. That moment sparked the home side’s finest spell of the game, in which their replacement the young midfielder fired just wide. Yet, however, hard to determine the visitors’ remaining attacking motivation until Zeki Celik was given a chance all of a yard out which he somehow hit up and on to the underside of the crossbar.

That was it as far as clear-cut opportunity were concerned. The raft of substitutions from both teams meant this game ended more in the style of a summer exhibition than serious contest. This of course suited the Italians perfectly. It prompted reflection to consider how on earth Rangers, finalists in this competition in 2022 and strong enough of the last eight a last year, arrived at the point of making up the numbers.