🔗 Share this article

There was impressive effectiveness in the way Roma handled this journey to Glasgow. Without much drama. Roma from Italy’s capital did, nonetheless, face manageable rivals when putting their European competition bid on the right path. Observers noted a glaring difference in class between Roma and a Rangers squad that has now suffered defeat in a team record seven continental matches consecutively.

Positively, Rangers at least huffed and puffed during a later period when surrender felt the probable outcome. Yet, the match was settled as a competition at that stage. Rangers remain rooted to the bottom of the Europa League, which should represent an embarrassment to a team of such stature. Roma have eyes again on achieving significant success. Their only regret in this match was in not delivering a scoreline that truly reflected men against boys.

Amazingly, this represented only Roma’s second European joust with Scottish opposition since the historic Fairs Cup fixtures with Hibs in 1961. Their last such match, against Dundee United 23 years later, became overshadowed (to put it mildly) by the bribing of a match official. In those days, Scottish clubs could vie with the top sides in the continent. The current campaign has seen the UEFA coefficient drop to a point that will soon have major ramifications.

Danny Röhl’s key attribute up to now as the fanbase are concerned is that he is not his predecessor. Martin’s dismal spell as the head coach lasted just over four months in the early part of this season. The German coach, the new man at the helm, has shown promise albeit within a limited timeframe. The technical areas witnessed a generation game; the Rangers boss is thirty-six, his opposite number the Roma manager is sixty-seven.

Another element was far more striking as the teams lined up. The home team’s obvious short stature against the Italians looked worrying. This point was confirmed within 13 minutes as the Roma midfielder comfortably flicked on a corner at the near post. At the back, Matías Soulé sprinted into space to knock Roma in front. The visitors minus the unavailable Evan Ferguson and Paulo Dybala, who have been questioned for bluntness even with reasonable performances in the tournament, were pleased with their quick lead.

Rangers should have levelled matters immediately. Rather, the forward screwed his shot wide after a mix-up in the visitors’ backline. Chermiti’s £8m signing from Everton has increased scrutiny of the club’s recruitment team. Chermiti possesses at least the physical attributes to be an effective striker but appears unwilling or unable to utilize them fully.

The Italian outfit dominated opening period the ball thereafter. They doubled their lead through their captain, whose curling shot into the bottom corner of the goalkeeper’s net arrived after a pass from Artem Dovbyk. Rangers will lament the fact Pellegrini was left in complete freedom but it was a gorgeous finish. The stadium, typically a raucous venue on European nights, had been silenced nine minutes before the break. Even the boos which greeted the interval were timid; the home team were simply in the process of being outclassed.

After the break began against a unusual atmosphere. Supporters turned their attentions for the latest time towards the top executive, Patrick Stewart, and sporting director, the director. Two banners, obviously menacing in tone, showed the pair with targets on their images. It raises questions what the club owner makes of the situation. Ultimately, Andrew Cavenagh had an anonymous career as a successful businessman in the United States before leading a acquisition of this club. Fans have not turned on Cavenagh so far but there is a rebellious mood in the air. This is unsurprising; Rangers’ management is wholly unconvincing.

Right on cue, the striker was played in on goal on the hour mark and hit the outside of the goal. This actually triggered Rangers’ best period of the game, in which their substitute the young midfielder fired just wide. It was, nonetheless, hard to gauge the visitors’ continued attacking motivation until Zeki Celik was given a chance all of a yard out which he somehow hit up and onto the bottom of the crossbar.

That was it as far as meaningful opportunity were concerned. The raft of changes from both teams meant this fixture ended more in the style of a pre-season friendly than competitive match. That scenario benefited the Italians perfectly. It prompted reflection to ponder how exactly the Glasgow club, runners-up in this competition in recently and strong enough of the last eight a last year, arrived at the point of just participating.