There was a big gulf between these two pretty much from kick-off.
Roma were more comfortable in possession, had better technical players and a fluidity which enabled them to dominate the ball and maximise the spaces they made Rangers give up.
It’s no accident they’re sitting just a point shy of Napoli at the top of Serie A. They oozed class and composure – and did so with a couple of key players missing.
They may well take some stopping in this competition under Gian Piero Gasperini, who lifted the cup with fellow Italian side Atalanta last year.
Rangers, under new head coach Rohl, won’t be judged on this result. But what the German cannot afford, this early in his tenure, is for these difficult European defeats to suck the life out of his attempts to resurrect their domestic challenge.
He has watched his men ship three goals in Bergen and two in Glasgow in consecutive Europa League matches. His side still have to face Ferencvaros and Porto away, with Ludogorets and Braga, next, due at Ibrox.
Still to register their first point in this season’s competition, their European aspirations may have to play second fiddle to more pressing Premiership matters.
