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There was admirable efficiency in the way Roma dealt with this trip to Glasgow. Minimum of fuss. Roma from Rome did, however, meet favourable opposition when placing their European competition bid back on track. There was a glaring difference in class between the Serie A outfit 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 fought hard during a later period when capitulation felt the more likely option. Yet, the match was decided as a contest by then. Rangers remain anchored at the foot of the Europa League, which should constitute an embarrassment to a team of this standing. The Giallorossi have eyes once more on making proper impact. Their only regret in this match was in not delivering a scoreline appropriately depicting the mismatch in quality.

Amazingly, this marked only the Roman club’s second-ever European joust with Scottish opposition since Fairs Cup business with Hibs in 1961. The previous one, against Dundee United 23 years later, became marred (to put it mildly) by the corruption of a referee. Back then, teams from Scotland could vie with the best in the continent. This season has seen the co-efficient plunge to a level that will shortly have huge consequences.

The new manager’s key attribute so far as the Rangers support 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 technical areas saw a clash of generations; Röhl is 36, his opposite number Gian Piero Gasperini is 67.

A further factor was much more noticeable as the teams lined up. The home team’s glaring short stature against the Italians looked ominous. This point was proven within 13 minutes as Bryan Cristante easily redirected a corner at the near post. At the back, the Argentine winger burst forward to fire Roma in front. The visitors minus the unavailable their young striker and Paulo Dybala, who have been questioned for lack of cutting edge despite decent results in the tournament, were pleased with their early advantage.

Rangers should have levelled matters instantly. Instead, Youssef Chermiti screwed his shot wide after a defensive error in the visitors’ backline. The player’s £8m purchase from Everton has piled pressure on the club’s recruitment team. Chermiti possesses at least the physique to be an productive centre forward but seems unwilling or unable to use them.

The Italian outfit controlled first-half possession from that point. They extended their advantage through their captain, 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 complete freedom but it was a gorgeous strike. Ibrox, usually a boisterous venue on continental evenings, had been silenced nine minutes until halftime. Even the boos which greeted the half-time whistle were subdued; Rangers were simply in the process of being outclassed.

The second period started against a curious backdrop. Those Rangers fans turned their attentions for the latest time towards the club’s chief executive, Patrick Stewart, and sporting director, the director. Two banners, clearly menacing in message, depicted the pair with targets 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. Fans have not turned on the owner yet but there is a mutinous feeling around the club. This is unsurprising; The team’s management is completely unimpressive.

Right on cue, the striker was sent through on the keeper on the hour mark and hit the outside of the goal. That moment sparked Rangers’ finest spell of the game, in which their substitute Thelo Aasgaard shot narrowly past the post. Yet, however, difficult to determine the visitors’ remaining attacking motivation until Zeki Celik was presented with a chance from close range which he inexplicably lifted and on to the bottom of the crossbar.

That opportunity as far as meaningful chances were concerned. The series of changes from both teams meant this game closed more in the style of a pre-season friendly than serious contest. That scenario benefited Roma fine. It prompted reflection to consider how exactly Rangers, finalists in this competition in 2022 and worthy of the last eight a last year, arrived at the stage of making up the numbers.