Celtic’s poor start under new head coach Wilfried Nancy continued as they lost 3-0 to Roma in the Europa League at Parkhead on Thursday night.
The 48-year-old had hoped to respond to the weekend defeat by Hearts in his opening game in charge, but got off to the worst possible start when Liam Scales fired a bullet header into his own net after just six minutes, before a brace from boyhood Celtic fan Evan Ferguson (36 and 45) put the Italian giants three goals up before the break.
It went from bad to worse for the hosts when Belgian midfielder Arne Engels cannoned his penalty back off the post in first-half stoppage time, while both Kelechi Iheanacho and Leon Bailey saw goals ruled out for either side following VAR checks for offside.
The result leaves Celtic in 24th position in the Europa League, clinging onto to a play-off spot ahead of their final two League Phase games against Bologna and FC Twente.
The Scottish champions will now turn their attention to the Premier Sports Cup final against St Mirren on Sunday, where new head coach Nancy will look secure his first piece of silverware with the Scottish champions.
Here’s how The Scotsman rated the performance of each Celtic player in the 3-0 defeat to Roma at Parkhead:
1. Kasper Schmeichel - 5
Made an excellent save from Matias Soule early in the game, and could do little with any of the visitors goals as Celtic crashed to a humbling home defeat. | AFP via Getty Images
2. Auston Trusty - 4
Looked uncomfortable all night and there was little he could do to halt Roma's irresistible attack. Simply outclassed by superior players, much like the rest of his teammates. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
3. Liam Scales - 4
Opened the scoring with a fantastic header just six minutes into the game - sadly it was in the wrong net. Never recovered, and was battered into submission by his physically imposing international teammate Evan Ferguson. Tortured. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
4. Kieran Tierney - 4
Given a torrid time by Celik on Roma's right-hand side. Was unable to break forward as the host struggled to get out of their own half. A disappointing night for the fan favourite, who was taken off at half-time. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group