🔗 Share this article

There was admirable efficiency in the way Roma handled this trip to Scotland. Minimum of fuss. The team from Italy’s capital did, however, meet favourable opposition when placing their European competition bid on the right path. Observers noted a glaring gulf in quality between Roma and a Rangers squad that has now lost a team record seven European games in a row.

To their credit, Rangers at least huffed and puffed during a later period when capitulation felt the more likely option. Yet, the match was decided as a competition at that stage. Rangers remain anchored at the foot of the tournament, which should constitute an disgrace to a club of this standing. Roma have ambitions once more on making proper impact. One slight disappointment in this match was in not producing a scoreline that truly reflected the mismatch in quality.

Amazingly, this marked only the Roman club’s second-ever continental encounter with Scottish opposition since Fairs Cup fixtures with Hibs in the early 60s. The previous one, against Dundee United over two decades later, became marred (to put it politely) by the corruption of a match official. Back then, Scottish clubs could compete with the top sides in Europe. This season has seen the UEFA coefficient drop to a point that will soon have major ramifications.

Danny Röhl’s main quality up to now as the Rangers support are concerned is that he isn’t his predecessor. The latter’s ghastly tenure as the head coach lasted just over four months in the early part of the campaign. The German coach, the recent appointment at the helm, has shown promise though within a limited timeframe. The technical areas witnessed a generation game; the Rangers boss is thirty-six, his opposite number Gian Piero Gasperini is 67.

Another element was much more noticeable as the teams took the field. Rangers’ obvious short stature against the Italians looked worrying. That concern was confirmed within 13 minutes as Bryan Cristante comfortably redirected a corner at the front post. Following up, Matías Soulé burst forward to knock Roma in front. A Roma team without the unavailable Evan Ferguson and Paulo Dybala, who have been questioned for bluntness even with reasonable performances in the tournament, were delighted with their quick lead.

The Ibrox side should have levelled matters instantly. Instead, the forward screwed his shot wide after a defensive error in the visitors’ backline. The player’s £8m signing from the Toffees has increased scrutiny of the Rangers transfer hierarchy. He has at least the physical attributes to be an effective striker but appears reluctant or incapable to utilize them fully.

Roma dominated opening period the ball thereafter. They doubled their lead through Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose bent effort into the bottom corner of the goalkeeper’s net arrived after a pass from Artem Dovbyk. Rangers will bemoan the fact the midfielder was left in blissful isolation but it was a superb finish. Ibrox, usually a boisterous place on continental evenings, had been silenced with time still remaining until halftime. The discontent which greeted the interval were timid; Rangers were simply in the midst of being overwhelmed.

The second period started against a unusual backdrop. Supporters turned their attentions for the latest time towards the club’s chief executive, Patrick Stewart, and sporting director, Kevin Thelwell. A pair of displays, obviously sinister in message, depicted the pair with targets on their faces. It raises questions what the Rangers chairman thinks about all this. Ultimately, Andrew Cavenagh enjoyed an anonymous career as a wealthy entrepreneur in the United States before fronting a takeover of this club. Paying punters have not targeted Cavenagh yet but there is a rebellious feeling in the air. This is unsurprising; Rangers’ leadership is completely unconvincing.

Right on cue, Chermiti was played in on goal on the 60-minute mark and found only the side netting. That moment sparked Rangers’ best period of the match, in which their substitute Thelo Aasgaard fired just wide. Yet, however, hard to gauge Roma’s remaining attacking motivation until the full-back was given a opportunity all of a yard out which he inexplicably lifted and on to the bottom of the bar.

That opportunity as far as clear-cut opportunity 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. This of course suited Roma perfectly. It prompted reflection to ponder how on earth Rangers, runners-up in this competition in recently and strong enough of the last eight a season ago, arrived at the stage of making up the numbers.