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There was admirable efficiency about the way Roma dealt with this trip to Scotland. Without much drama. The team from Rome did, however, meet favourable opposition when putting their Europa League bid back on track. Observers noted a obvious gulf in quality between Roma and a Rangers side 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 probable outcome. However, the match was decided as a contest at that stage. Rangers remain rooted to the bottom of the Europa League, which should represent an disgrace to a team of such stature. The Giallorossi have ambitions again on making proper impact. One slight disappointment in this match was in not producing a result appropriately depicting men against boys.

Surprisingly, this represented only Roma’s second-ever European joust with a team from Scotland since Fairs Cup business with Hibernian in the early 60s. Their last such match, against the Terrors over two decades later, became overshadowed (to put it mildly) by the corruption of a referee. 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 level that will soon have huge consequences.

The new manager’s main quality so far as the Rangers support are see it is that he isn’t his predecessor. The latter’s dismal spell as the manager lasted just over four months in the initial phase of the campaign. The German coach, the recent appointment at the helm, has displayed potential albeit within a tiny sample size. The technical areas witnessed a generation game; Röhl is 36, his opposite number Gian Piero Gasperini is 67.

Another element was much more noticeable as the teams lined up. Rangers’ glaring lack of height against the visitors looked worrying. This point was confirmed within 13 minutes as Bryan Cristante comfortably flicked on a corner at the near post. At the back, the Argentine winger sprinted into space to knock Roma in front. A Roma team minus the injured their young striker and Paulo Dybala, who have been criticised for bluntness even with decent performances in this campaign, were delighted with their early advantage.

Rangers could have equalised instantly. Rather, Youssef Chermiti screwed his shot wide after a mix-up in the visitors’ backline. The player’s eight-million-pound purchase from the Toffees 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.

Roma dominated first-half the ball from that point. Roma extended their advantage through their captain, whose curling shot into the bottom corner of the goalkeeper’s net arrived after a pass from the Ukrainian forward. The hosts will lament the fact the midfielder was left in blissful isolation but it was a superb finish. Ibrox, typically a raucous venue on European nights, had been quietened nine minutes before the break. The discontent which met the half-time whistle were timid; Rangers were simply in the midst of being overwhelmed.

After the break started against a curious atmosphere. Supporters directed their focus once again towards the top executive, Patrick Stewart, and transfer chief, Kevin Thelwell. A pair of displays, obviously sinister in message, showed the pair with targets on their faces. One wonders what the Rangers chairman thinks about the situation. Ultimately, Andrew Cavenagh had an low-profile life as a successful businessman in the United States before leading a takeover of Rangers. Fans have not turned on Cavenagh so far but there is a mutinous feeling around the club. This is easy to understand; The team’s leadership is completely unconvincing.

Right on cue, the striker was sent through on goal on the 60-minute mark and hit the outside of the goal. This actually triggered Rangers’ best period of the game, in which their replacement the young midfielder fired just wide. Yet, nonetheless, difficult to determine the visitors’ continued offensive intent until Zeki Celik was presented with a chance from close range which he somehow lifted and onto the bottom of the crossbar.

That opportunity as far as clear-cut opportunity were concerned. The raft of substitutions from both teams meant this game closed more in the style of a summer exhibition than serious contest. This of course suited Roma fine. It prompted reflection to consider how on earth the Glasgow club, finalists in this tournament in recently and worthy of the last eight a season ago, arrived at the point of just participating.