Matías Soulé and Lorenzo Pellegrini find the net as Roma overpower Rangers

There was admirable efficiency about the way Roma handled this trip to Glasgow. Minimum of fuss. The team from Rome did, nonetheless, meet favourable opposition when putting their Europa League bid on the right path. Observers noted a glaring gulf in quality between the Serie A outfit and a Rangers squad that has now suffered defeat in a team record seven European games in a row.

Positively, Rangers at least huffed and puffed during a later period when capitulation felt the more likely option. Yet, the game was settled as a contest by then. The Scottish club remain rooted to the bottom of the Europa League, which should constitute an embarrassment to a team of such stature. The Giallorossi have ambitions again on making proper impact. Their only regret here was in not delivering a scoreline that truly reflected the mismatch in quality.

Amazingly, this marked only Roma’s second-ever continental encounter with Scottish opposition since the historic Fairs Cup business with Hibs in the early 60s. Their last such match, against the Terrors over two decades later, became overshadowed (to put it politely) by the corruption of a referee. Back then, Scottish clubs could compete with the top sides in the continent. The current campaign has seen the UEFA coefficient drop to a point that will shortly have major consequences.

The new manager’s main quality up to now as the Rangers support are concerned is that he is not his predecessor. Martin’s ghastly tenure as the head coach lasted just over four months in the initial phase of the campaign. Röhl, the new man at the helm, has shown promise albeit within a tiny sample size. The technical areas saw a generation game; the Rangers boss is 36, his counterpart Gian Piero Gasperini is 67.

A further factor was much more noticeable as the sides lined up. Rangers’ obvious lack of height against the visitors looked worrying. That concern was confirmed within the opening quarter-hour as Bryan Cristante comfortably flicked on a set-piece at the near post. Following up, Matías Soulé burst forward to knock Roma ahead. The visitors without the unavailable Evan Ferguson and Paulo Dybala, who have been questioned for bluntness despite reasonable results in the tournament, were delighted with their quick lead.

The Ibrox side should have levelled matters instantly. Rather, the forward sent his effort off target after a mix-up in the visitors’ backline. Chermiti’s eight-million-pound purchase from the Toffees has piled pressure on the club’s recruitment team. Chermiti possesses at least the physique to be an effective centre forward but seems reluctant or incapable to use them.

Roma dominated first-half the ball thereafter. Roma doubled their lead through Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose curling shot into the bottom corner of the goalkeeper’s net arrived after a pass from the Ukrainian forward. Rangers will lament the fact the midfielder was left in blissful isolation but it was a superb strike. The stadium, usually a raucous place on European nights, had been quietened nine minutes before the break. Even the boos which greeted the half-time whistle were timid; the home team were simply in the process of being overwhelmed.

The second period started against a curious atmosphere. Supporters turned their attentions for the latest time towards the club’s chief executive, Patrick Stewart, and sporting director, Kevin Thelwell. Two banners, obviously sinister in tone, showed the pair with bullseyes on their faces. It raises questions what the Rangers chairman thinks about the situation. Ultimately, the chairman had an low-profile career as a successful businessman in the United States before leading a acquisition of Rangers. Fans have not turned on Cavenagh yet but there is a rebellious feeling in the air. It is one which is easy to understand; The team’s management is completely unconvincing.

Right on cue, Chermiti was sent through on the keeper on the hour mark and hit the side netting. This actually triggered Rangers’ finest spell of the match, in which their replacement the young midfielder fired just wide. It was, however, difficult to determine the visitors’ continued offensive intent until Zeki Celik was given a opportunity all of a yard out which he somehow hit up and on to the bottom of the crossbar.

That was it as far as meaningful opportunity were concerned. The series of changes from each side resulted in this fixture ended more in the fashion of a pre-season friendly than competitive match. That scenario benefited Roma perfectly. There was cause to consider how on earth the Glasgow club, finalists in this competition in 2022 and worthy of the last eight a season ago, reached the stage of just participating.