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There was admirable efficiency about the way Roma handled this trip to Glasgow. Without much drama. The team from Rome did, however, face manageable rivals when placing their European competition bid on the right path. Observers noted a glaring gulf in quality between Roma and a Rangers side that has now suffered defeat in a club record seven European games consecutively.

Positively, Rangers at least fought hard during a later period when capitulation felt the probable option. However, the match was settled as a competition at that stage. The Scottish club remain rooted to the bottom of the tournament, which should represent an disgrace to a team of this standing. Roma have ambitions again on achieving significant success. One slight disappointment here was in not delivering a result that truly reflected men against boys.

Amazingly, this represented only the Roman club’s second-ever European joust with Scottish opposition since Fairs Cup fixtures with Hibernian in the early 60s. The previous one, against the Terrors over two decades later, became overshadowed (to put it mildly) by the bribing of a referee. In those days, Scottish clubs could compete with the best in the continent. This season has seen the co-efficient drop to a level that will soon have huge consequences.

The new manager’s key attribute up to now as the fanbase are concerned is that he isn’t Russell Martin. The latter’s ghastly spell as the head coach lasted just over four months in the initial phase of this season. Röhl, the new man at the helm, has shown promise albeit within a tiny sample size. The dugouts saw a generation game; the Rangers boss is 36, his counterpart Gian Piero Gasperini is 67.

Another element was far more striking as the sides took the field. Rangers’ obvious lack of height against the visitors looked ominous. This point was proven within 13 minutes as Bryan Cristante comfortably flicked on a set-piece at the front post. Following up, the Argentine winger burst forward to knock his team ahead. A Roma team without the injured Evan Ferguson and their star attacker, who have been questioned for lack of cutting edge despite reasonable performances in the tournament, were delighted with their quick lead.

Rangers should have equalised instantly. Instead, Youssef Chermiti sent his effort off target after a mix-up in the Roma defence. The player’s eight-million-pound purchase from Everton has piled pressure on the club’s recruitment team. Chermiti possesses at least the physical attributes to be an effective centre forward but appears reluctant or incapable to use them.

The Italian outfit dominated first-half possession from that point. Roma extended their advantage through Lorenzo Pellegrini, 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 was left in blissful isolation but it was a superb finish. The stadium, usually a boisterous venue on European nights, had been quietened nine minutes until halftime. The discontent which greeted the half-time whistle were timid; the home team were simply in the midst of being overwhelmed.

After the break started against a curious atmosphere. Supporters directed their focus once again towards the top executive, the CEO, and transfer chief, the director. Two banners, obviously menacing in tone, showed the pair with targets on their faces. It raises questions what the Rangers chairman thinks about the situation. Ultimately, Andrew Cavenagh enjoyed an low-profile career as a wealthy entrepreneur in the United States before leading a takeover of this club. Fans have not turned on the owner yet but there is a rebellious feeling in the air. This is unsurprising; Rangers’ management is wholly unimpressive.

Right on cue, Chermiti was sent through on the keeper on the 60-minute mark and found only the side netting. This actually triggered Rangers’ best period of the match, in which their replacement the young midfielder shot narrowly past the post. Yet, nonetheless, difficult to determine Roma’s continued offensive intent until Zeki Celik was given a chance from close range which he inexplicably lifted and on to the underside of the crossbar.

That was it as far as clear-cut opportunity were involved. The raft of substitutions from each side resulted in this game closed more in the style of a summer exhibition than serious contest. This of course suited Roma perfectly. It prompted reflection to ponder how exactly the Glasgow club, runners-up in this tournament in 2022 and worthy of the last eight a season ago, arrived at the point of just participating.