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Roma displayed impressive effectiveness in the way Roma dealt with this journey to Scotland. Without much drama. Roma from Italy’s capital did, however, meet favourable opposition when putting their Europa League bid back on track. Observers noted a glaring difference in class 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 huffed and puffed during a second half when capitulation felt the more likely option. However, the match was decided as a contest at that stage. Rangers remain anchored at the bottom of the Europa League, which should constitute an disgrace to a club of such stature. The Giallorossi have eyes once more on making proper impact. One slight disappointment here was in not producing a result that truly reflected men against boys.

Surprisingly, this marked only the Roman club’s second European joust with Scottish opposition since the historic Fairs Cup fixtures with Hibernian in the early 60s. The previous one, against Dundee United 23 years later, became overshadowed (to put it mildly) by the corruption of a match official. In those days, teams from Scotland could compete with the best in the continent. This season has seen the UEFA coefficient plunge to a point that will soon have huge consequences.

The new manager’s key attribute so far as the Rangers support are concerned is that he is not Russell Martin. Martin’s ghastly tenure as the manager lasted just over four months in the initial phase of this season. Röhl, the recent appointment at the helm, has shown promise though within a tiny sample size. The dugouts saw a clash of generations; Röhl is 36, his counterpart Gian Piero Gasperini is 67.

Another element was much more noticeable as the teams took the field. The home team’s glaring short stature against the Italians looked worrying. This point was confirmed within the opening quarter-hour as Bryan Cristante easily redirected a set-piece at the front post. Following up, the Argentine winger sprinted into space to fire Roma in front. The visitors without the unavailable Evan Ferguson and Paulo Dybala, who have been questioned for bluntness even with reasonable results in this campaign, were pleased with their quick lead.

The Ibrox side could have levelled matters immediately. Instead, Youssef Chermiti screwed his shot wide after a defensive error in the visitors’ backline. The player’s £8m purchase from the Toffees has piled pressure on the Rangers transfer hierarchy. He has at least the physique to be an productive striker but seems reluctant or incapable to use them.

Roma controlled opening period the ball thereafter. Roma doubled their lead through their captain, whose bent effort into the far post of Jack Butland’s net arrived after a pass from Artem Dovbyk. Rangers will bemoan the fact Pellegrini stood in blissful isolation but it was a gorgeous finish. Ibrox, typically a boisterous venue on European nights, had been quietened nine minutes until halftime. The discontent which met the half-time whistle were subdued; the home team were clearly in the midst of being overwhelmed.

The second period began against a unusual backdrop. Supporters directed their focus for the latest time towards the club’s chief executive, Patrick Stewart, and sporting director, the director. A pair of displays, clearly menacing in message, depicted the pair with targets on their images. It raises questions what the Rangers chairman makes of all this. Ultimately, Andrew Cavenagh enjoyed an low-profile career as a wealthy entrepreneur in the United States before leading a takeover of Rangers. Fans have not targeted Cavenagh yet but there is a rebellious feeling in the air. It is one which is easy to understand; Rangers’ leadership is completely unconvincing.

Right on cue, Chermiti was sent through on goal on the hour mark and found only the side netting. This actually triggered Rangers’ finest spell of the game, in which their replacement Thelo Aasgaard shot narrowly past the post. Yet, nonetheless, hard to gauge Roma’s continued offensive intent until Zeki Celik was given a chance all of a yard out which he inexplicably lifted and on to the underside of the crossbar.

That was it as far as meaningful opportunity were involved. The series of changes from both teams meant this fixture closed more in the style of a pre-season friendly than serious contest. That scenario benefited the Italians perfectly. There was cause to consider how exactly the Glasgow club, runners-up in this competition in 2022 and strong enough of the quarter-finals a season ago, arrived at the stage of making up the numbers.