Rangers fans should not fear Roma for two major reasons | OneFootball

Some supporters arrive at Ibrox already feeling edgy ahead of the clash with Roma. The first glimmer of concern centres on the club’s current league position where the Italian side sit higher than expected. That situation alone makes the meeting nasty for Rangers. Most fans keep the faith in the squad but acknowledge that the perceived strength of the visitor demands respect. From Ibrox to Rome the entire campaign now pivots on performance and nerve.

League status sparks fear

Roma’s place in the Serie A table gives Rangers watchers little comfort. they have established table status and that earns big respect. For Rangers fans it does not matter that Roma have low scoring nights. The fear flows from status and reputation rather than pure output. Against Rangers at Ibrox the club must ignore that aura and focus on dominating each moment. But the catch? They hardly score goals! And now they’ve lost their main man Paulo Dybala at that.

Memory of Plzen match lingers

Furthermore Roma’s recent slip at home to Viktoria Plzen shows further cracks in the armour. The Italian side lost 2-1 at home to Plzen with goals conceded and chances missed. Meanwhile Rangers defeated Plzen comfortably at Ibrox under a hapless Russell Martin era. That dual juxtaposition creates a curious dynamic: Roma feared for status but vulnerable in reality; Rangers bold at home yet cautious away. That history gives Rangers fans extra confidence heading into the tie.

Why Rangers must strike now

At Ibrox Rangers must seize the moment before Roma settle into their higher table comfort zone. The squad must press, win second balls, expose the low scoring fears of the Italian club. Although many fans fear Roma because of their league position they also know that the same side collapsed at home to Plzen and that gives hope. The match demands forceful runs, sharp finishing, tight back line and full focus. Rangers cannot allow the reputation of Roma to intimidate them. Instead they must flip that respect into ruthless execution.

As Danny Röhl prepares the squad, focus and drive must be relentless. The message from the dressing room will be clear: attack with conviction, defend with discipline, and never be overawed. Roma’s aura fades fast when pressed hard.

Even Gian Piero Gasperini acknowledged how Rangers’ intensity could disrupt Roma’s rhythm. That awareness alone underlines how dangerous the Scottish side remain when fully switched on. Roma might hold a lofty league rank, but their inability to kill games still leaves the door wide open.