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There was impressive effectiveness about the way the Italian side handled this journey to Scotland. Minimum of fuss. Roma from Italy’s capital did, however, meet favourable opposition when putting their European competition bid back on track. Observers noted a obvious gulf in quality between Roma and a Rangers side that has now suffered defeat in a club record seven continental matches in a row.

To their credit, the home side at least huffed and puffed during a later period when capitulation felt the probable outcome. Yet, the match was settled as a contest by then. The Scottish club remain rooted to the foot of the Europa League, which should represent an embarrassment to a club of such stature. The Giallorossi have eyes once more on making proper impact. Their only regret here was in not delivering a scoreline that truly reflected men against boys.

Surprisingly, this represented only the Roman club’s second-ever European joust with Scottish opposition since Fairs Cup fixtures with Hibs in 1961. The previous one, against the Terrors over two decades later, became marred (to put it mildly) by the corruption of a referee. Back then, Scottish clubs could compete with the best in the continent. This season has seen the UEFA coefficient plunge to a point that will soon have major ramifications.

Danny Röhl’s key attribute so far as the fanbase are concerned is that he isn’t his predecessor. The latter’s dismal spell as the manager lasted just over four months in the initial phase of the campaign. The German coach, the recent appointment at the helm, has displayed potential albeit within a limited timeframe. The technical areas witnessed a clash of generations; Röhl is thirty-six, his counterpart Gian Piero Gasperini is sixty-seven.

Another element was far more striking as the teams took the field. The home team’s glaring short stature against the Italians looked ominous. That concern was proven within the opening quarter-hour as the Roma midfielder comfortably flicked on a set-piece at the near post. At the back, Matías Soulé sprinted into space to fire his team ahead. The visitors without the unavailable Evan Ferguson and Paulo Dybala, who have been questioned for lack of cutting edge even with reasonable results in this campaign, were delighted with their quick lead.

Rangers could have equalised immediately. Rather, the forward screwed his shot wide after a mix-up in the Roma defence. The player’s eight-million-pound purchase from Everton has increased scrutiny of the Rangers transfer hierarchy. He has at least the physical attributes to be an productive striker but appears unwilling or unable to utilize them fully.

The Italian outfit dominated first-half possession thereafter. Roma doubled their lead through their captain, whose curling shot into the bottom corner of the goalkeeper’s net arrived after a lay off from Artem Dovbyk. Rangers will bemoan the fact the midfielder was left in complete freedom but it was a superb finish. Ibrox, typically a boisterous place on continental evenings, had been quietened with time still remaining until halftime. The discontent which greeted the interval were timid; the home team were simply in the process of being outclassed.

After the break started against a curious atmosphere. Supporters turned their attentions for the latest time towards the top executive, the CEO, and transfer chief, the director. A pair of displays, clearly sinister in tone, depicted the duo with targets on their faces. It raises questions what the club owner makes of all this. Ultimately, the chairman had an low-profile career as a wealthy entrepreneur in the US before fronting a takeover of Rangers. Fans have not turned on Cavenagh so far but there is a rebellious 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 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 Thelo Aasgaard fired just wide. Yet, nonetheless, difficult to determine Roma’s remaining offensive intent until the full-back was presented with a chance all of a yard out which he somehow lifted and onto the underside of the crossbar.

That was it as far as meaningful chances were involved. The raft of substitutions from both teams resulted in this fixture closed more in the style of a summer exhibition than competitive match. This of course suited Roma fine. It prompted reflection to consider how on earth Rangers, finalists in this tournament in recently and strong enough of the last eight a last year, reached the stage of making up the numbers.