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There was admirable efficiency about the way Roma handled this trip to Scotland. Minimum of fuss. The team from Italy’s capital did, however, meet favourable opposition when putting their Europa League bid on the right path. There was a obvious gulf in quality between Roma and a Rangers squad that has now suffered defeat in a club record seven European games consecutively.

To their credit, the home side at least huffed and puffed during a later period when capitulation felt the more likely outcome. However, the match was settled as a competition by then. The Scottish club remain anchored at the bottom of the tournament, which should represent an embarrassment to a club of such stature. The Giallorossi have eyes once more on achieving significant success. Their only regret in this match was in not delivering a scoreline that truly reflected the mismatch in quality.

Surprisingly, this represented only Roma’s second continental encounter with a team from Scotland since Fairs Cup business with Hibs in the early 60s. The previous one, against the Terrors over two decades later, became marred (to put it politely) by the bribing of a match official. In those days, teams from Scotland could compete with the top sides in Europe. This season has seen the co-efficient drop to a point that will shortly have major ramifications.

Danny Röhl’s key attribute so far as the fanbase are see it is that he isn’t his predecessor. Martin’s dismal spell as the manager lasted 123 days in the initial phase of this season. Röhl, the new man at the helm, has displayed potential though within a limited timeframe. The dugouts witnessed a generation game; the Rangers boss is 36, his opposite number the Roma manager is 67.

Another element was much more noticeable as the sides took the field. The home team’s obvious lack of height against the Italians looked ominous. That concern was confirmed within the opening quarter-hour as Bryan Cristante comfortably redirected a set-piece at the front post. Following up, Matías Soulé sprinted into space to knock his team ahead. A Roma team without the unavailable their young striker and Paulo Dybala, who have been questioned for bluntness despite decent results in this campaign, were pleased with their quick lead.

Rangers could have equalised instantly. Rather, Youssef Chermiti screwed his shot wide after a mix-up in the Roma defence. Chermiti’s £8m purchase from Everton has increased scrutiny of the Rangers transfer hierarchy. He has at least the physique to be an effective striker but seems unwilling or unable to use them.

The Italian outfit controlled first-half possession thereafter. Roma extended their advantage through their captain, whose curling shot into the bottom corner of the goalkeeper’s net arrived after a lay off from Artem Dovbyk. The hosts will lament the fact the midfielder stood in blissful isolation but it was a superb strike. Ibrox, usually a boisterous place on continental evenings, had been quietened with time still remaining until halftime. The discontent which met the half-time whistle were subdued; the home team were simply in the process of being outclassed.

The second period began against a curious atmosphere. Supporters directed their focus once again towards the top executive, the CEO, and sporting director, Kevin Thelwell. A pair of displays, obviously menacing in message, depicted the duo with targets on their faces. It raises questions what the Rangers chairman makes of all this. Ultimately, Andrew Cavenagh enjoyed an anonymous career as a successful businessman in the United States before leading a takeover of Rangers. Paying punters have not turned on Cavenagh yet but there is a rebellious feeling in the air. This is easy to understand; The team’s leadership is wholly unimpressive.

Right on cue, Chermiti was played in on the keeper on the 60-minute mark and found only the outside of the goal. That moment sparked the home side’s best period of the game, in which their replacement the young midfielder shot narrowly past the post. It was, however, difficult to gauge Roma’s remaining attacking motivation until the full-back was given a opportunity from close range which he inexplicably lifted and onto the underside of the bar.

That opportunity as far as clear-cut chances were involved. The series of changes from both teams resulted in this fixture ended more in the fashion of a pre-season friendly than serious contest. This of course suited Roma fine. It prompted reflection to consider how exactly the Glasgow club, runners-up in this tournament in recently and strong enough of the last eight a last year, arrived at the stage of just participating.