Soulé and Lorenzo Pellegrini on target as AS Roma outclass Glasgow Rangers

There was admirable efficiency about the way Roma handled this journey to Glasgow. Without much drama. Roma from Rome did, however, meet favourable opposition when placing their European competition bid back on track. Observers noted a obvious difference in class between Roma and a Rangers squad that has now lost a team record seven European games in a row.

To their credit, Rangers at least fought hard during a second half when surrender felt the probable outcome. However, the game was settled as a contest at that stage. The Scottish club remain rooted to the bottom of the Europa League, which should represent an embarrassment to a team of this standing. The Giallorossi have ambitions once more on making proper impact. Their only regret here was in not producing a result appropriately depicting men against boys.

Amazingly, this marked only Roma’s second-ever continental encounter with a team from Scotland since Fairs Cup business with Hibs in 1961. Their last such match, against Dundee United 23 years later, became overshadowed (to put it politely) by the bribing of a referee. In those days, teams from Scotland could compete with the best in Europe. This season has seen the UEFA coefficient plunge to a level that will shortly have huge consequences.

Danny Röhl’s key attribute so far as the fanbase are concerned is that he is not his predecessor. Martin’s dismal spell as the head coach lasted 123 days in the early part of this season. Röhl, 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 counterpart Gian Piero Gasperini is 67.

A further factor was much more noticeable as the teams took the field. The home team’s glaring short stature against the visitors looked ominous. 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 burst forward to fire Roma in front. A Roma team without the injured their young striker and their star attacker, who have been criticised for bluntness despite reasonable performances in this campaign, were delighted with their early advantage.

The Ibrox side could have levelled matters immediately. Rather, the forward sent his effort off target after a mix-up in the Roma defence. The player’s eight-million-pound signing from the Toffees has piled pressure on the Rangers transfer hierarchy. He has at least the physical attributes to be an effective centre forward but seems unwilling or unable to use them.

The Italian outfit dominated opening period possession thereafter. Roma extended their advantage through Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose curling shot into the bottom corner of the goalkeeper’s net arrived after a lay off from Artem Dovbyk. Rangers will bemoan the fact the midfielder stood in blissful isolation but it was a gorgeous finish. The stadium, usually a raucous venue on European nights, had been silenced with time still remaining before the break. The discontent which met the interval were timid; the home team were simply in the midst of being overwhelmed.

The second period started against a curious backdrop. Supporters directed their focus for the latest time towards the top executive, Patrick Stewart, and transfer chief, the director. Two banners, clearly menacing in tone, depicted the pair with targets on their faces. One wonders what the Rangers chairman thinks about the situation. After all, the chairman enjoyed an low-profile career as a wealthy entrepreneur in the US before fronting a acquisition of this club. Fans have not targeted the owner yet but there is a rebellious feeling around the club. It is one which is unsurprising; The team’s management is completely unimpressive.

Right on cue, Chermiti was played in on the keeper on the hour mark and hit the outside of the goal. That moment sparked Rangers’ finest spell of the match, in which their substitute the young midfielder shot narrowly past the post. Yet, nonetheless, hard to determine the visitors’ remaining offensive intent until Zeki Celik was given a opportunity all of a yard out which he inexplicably lifted and onto the bottom of the crossbar.

That opportunity as far as meaningful opportunity were involved. The series of substitutions from both teams meant this game ended more in the style of a pre-season friendly than serious contest. That scenario benefited the Italians fine. There was cause to ponder how on earth Rangers, runners-up in this tournament in recently and strong enough of the last eight a last year, arrived at the stage of making up the numbers.