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:
5. Reo Hatate - 6
Almost gifted Roma a second goal with a slack pass on the edge of his own area, only for Evan Ferguson's shot to thump back off the post. Much improved in the second 45, and looked the most likely to make something happen for Wilfried Nancy's side. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
6. Arne Engels - 4
A largely anonymous performance from the Belgian from that saw the Italian visitors dominate the midfield battle. Won a first-half penalty for Celtic, but smashed it off the post on a night to forget for the home side. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. Callum McGregor - 5
Managed an impressive 97% passing accuracy rate, despite the away team's clear dominance, but was left fighting a losing battle as those around him struggled to hold onto the ball. Didn't stamp his authority on the game enough, though. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
8. Benjamin Nygren - 2
An appalling display that lacked any fight, aggression, or heart. His teammates were visibly frustrated as he continued to lose the ball, and the home supporters weren't quiet in letting him know their feelings. A nightmare inducing evening for the Swedish international. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group