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

Roma displayed impressive effectiveness in the way the Italian side handled this trip to Glasgow. Minimum of fuss. The team from Italy’s capital did, however, face manageable rivals when putting their Europa League bid on the right path. Observers noted a obvious difference in class 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, the home side at least huffed and puffed during a later period when capitulation felt the more likely outcome. However, the match was decided as a competition by then. The Scottish club remain rooted to the bottom of the Europa League, which should represent an embarrassment to a club of such stature. The Giallorossi have eyes again on achieving significant success. One slight disappointment here was in not delivering a result that truly reflected men against boys.

Surprisingly, this marked only the Roman club’s second-ever continental encounter with a team from Scotland since the historic Fairs Cup fixtures with Hibs in the early 60s. Their last such match, against Dundee United over two decades later, became overshadowed (to put it mildly) by the corruption of a referee. Back then, Scottish clubs could compete 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 main quality up to now as the fanbase are concerned is that he isn’t his predecessor. Martin’s ghastly spell 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 though within a limited timeframe. The technical areas witnessed a generation game; Röhl is 36, his opposite number the Roma manager is sixty-seven.

A further factor was much more noticeable as the teams lined up. Rangers’ glaring lack of height against the visitors looked ominous. This point was confirmed within the opening quarter-hour as Bryan Cristante comfortably flicked on a corner at the front post. Following up, Matías Soulé sprinted into space to fire his team in front. The visitors minus the injured their young striker and Paulo Dybala, who have been questioned for lack of cutting edge despite reasonable results in this campaign, were pleased with their early advantage.

Rangers could have levelled matters immediately. Instead, Youssef Chermiti screwed his shot wide after a mix-up in the visitors’ backline. Chermiti’s eight-million-pound signing from the Toffees has piled pressure on the Rangers transfer hierarchy. He has at least the physique to be an productive centre forward but appears unwilling or unable to utilize them fully.

The Italian outfit dominated first-half the ball from that point. Roma extended their advantage through Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose curling shot into the far post of Jack Butland’s net came after a lay off from the Ukrainian forward. Rangers will bemoan the fact the midfielder stood in blissful isolation but it was a gorgeous finish. Ibrox, typically a raucous place on European nights, had been quietened nine minutes before the break. Even the boos which greeted the half-time whistle were subdued; the home team were simply in the midst of being overwhelmed.

After the break began against a curious backdrop. Supporters turned their attentions for the latest time towards the top executive, Patrick Stewart, and transfer chief, Kevin Thelwell. Two banners, obviously sinister in message, showed the duo with bullseyes on their images. One wonders what the club owner thinks about all this. After all, the chairman had an low-profile career as a successful businessman in the US before leading a takeover of this club. Fans have not targeted Cavenagh so far but there is a mutinous feeling around the club. It is one which is unsurprising; The team’s management is completely unimpressive.

Right on cue, Chermiti was sent through on goal on the 60-minute mark and found only the outside of the goal. This actually triggered Rangers’ best period of the match, in which their substitute the young midfielder fired just wide. Yet, however, difficult to gauge Roma’s continued offensive intent until the full-back was given a opportunity all of a yard out which he inexplicably hit up and on to the bottom of the crossbar.

That opportunity as far as meaningful chances were involved. The series of changes from each side meant this game ended more in the style of a pre-season friendly than competitive match. That scenario benefited Roma fine. There was cause to ponder how on earth the Glasgow club, finalists in this competition in 2022 and strong enough of the quarter-finals a season ago, arrived at the point of just participating.