Matías Soulé along with Lorenzo Pellegrini find the net as AS Roma outclass Glasgow Rangers

There was impressive effectiveness in the way the Italian side dealt with this trip to Glasgow. Minimum of fuss. Roma from Italy’s capital did, however, meet favourable opposition when placing their European competition bid on the right path. There was a obvious gulf in quality between Roma and a the Scottish team squad that has now lost a club record seven continental matches consecutively.

Positively, the home side at least huffed and puffed during a second half when surrender felt the more likely outcome. Yet, the game was decided as a competition at that stage. The Scottish club remain anchored at the foot of the Europa League, which should represent an disgrace to a club of this standing. Roma have eyes again on achieving significant success. Their only regret here was in not delivering a result appropriately depicting the mismatch in quality.

Amazingly, this represented only the Roman club’s second-ever European joust with a team from Scotland since Fairs Cup business with Hibs in 1961. The previous one, against Dundee United over two decades later, became overshadowed (to put it politely) by the bribing of a referee. Back then, Scottish clubs could vie with the best in the continent. This season has seen the UEFA coefficient drop to a level that will shortly have major consequences.

The new manager’s key attribute so far as the Rangers support are see it is that he is not his predecessor. Martin’s dismal tenure as the head coach lasted just over four months in the initial phase of this season. The German coach, the recent appointment at the helm, has displayed potential though within a limited timeframe. The dugouts witnessed a clash of generations; Röhl is 36, his opposite number Gian Piero Gasperini is 67.

Another element was far more striking as the teams lined up. The home team’s obvious lack of height against the Italians 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 sprinted into space to knock his team ahead. A Roma team minus the injured Evan Ferguson and their star attacker, who have been criticised for bluntness despite decent results in the tournament, were delighted with their early advantage.

The Ibrox side should have equalised immediately. Instead, the forward screwed his shot wide after a defensive error in the Roma defence. Chermiti’s £8m purchase from the Toffees has piled pressure on the Rangers transfer hierarchy. He has at least the physique to be an effective centre forward but seems unwilling or unable to use them.

The Italian outfit controlled first-half the ball thereafter. They doubled their lead through Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose bent effort into the bottom corner of Jack Butland’s net arrived after a pass from Artem Dovbyk. The hosts will lament the fact the midfielder stood in blissful isolation but it was a superb finish. The stadium, typically a raucous venue on continental evenings, had been silenced with time still remaining before the break. Even the boos which greeted the interval were subdued; Rangers were clearly in the process of being outclassed.

The second period began against a curious atmosphere. Supporters directed their focus for the latest time towards the club’s chief executive, Patrick Stewart, and sporting director, the director. A pair of displays, clearly menacing in message, showed the pair with targets on their images. One wonders what the Rangers chairman thinks about all this. Ultimately, the chairman had an low-profile life as a wealthy entrepreneur in the US before leading a acquisition of Rangers. Paying punters 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 leadership is wholly unimpressive.

Right on cue, Chermiti was sent through on the keeper on the 60-minute mark and hit the side netting. This actually triggered Rangers’ finest spell of the match, in which their replacement Thelo Aasgaard shot narrowly past the post. It was, however, difficult to determine Roma’s remaining offensive intent until Zeki Celik was presented with a opportunity from close range which he somehow lifted and on to the bottom of the crossbar.

That was it as far as clear-cut opportunity were involved. The raft of changes from both teams resulted in this fixture ended more in the style of a pre-season friendly than serious contest. That scenario benefited Roma perfectly. There was cause to consider how on earth the Glasgow club, runners-up in this tournament in 2022 and worthy of the last eight a season ago, arrived at the stage of making up the numbers.