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:
13. Sub: Colby Donovan - 6 (on for Tierney HT)
Won his first duel against El Shaarawy, and did himself no harm with bright second-half performance in testing circumstances. | AFP via Getty Images
14. Sub: Kelechi Iheanacho - 7 (on for Maeda HT)
Tried to spark the team into life as a second-half substitute. Plenty of effort, and the fans reacted to the fight he showed. Missed a great opportunity when played through on goal by Hatate, and was unlucky to see a goal ruled out just after the hour mark. | SNS Group
15. Other subs:
Anthony Ralston - N/A (Late sub for Yang) Michel-Ange Balikwisha - N/A (Late sub for Hatate, no impact) | SNS Group