You are not the only one saddened by the fact that no Italian side made it to the quarter finals. I had serious confidence in Inter Milan who maintained such a wonderful record this season in both their local league and international competitions. Inter Milan won their first leg in against Atletico Madrid and during the second leg, they scored first which made me conclude they would qualify. How they allowed Atletico Madrid to score them two goals that made the match enter extra time and eventually penalty shootout is what surprised me.
I think Inter Milan lost concentration to maintain their victory in the first leg so that in the second leg they had to admit Atletico Madrid's superiority and in the end we had to completely lose Italy's representation in the Champions League competition. Previously, I was also quite sure that Inter Milan would be able to face Atletico Madrid in the second leg because they had finished the first leg with a small victory. But everything changed and Atletico Madrid was able to rise to get rid of Inter Milan at home.
These are two times I was tipping either of them to win the trophy this year. It is unfortunate that they will be facing each other in a match that it has become extremely difficult to know who will take the lead. Whoever win in that match may likely go to the finals and eventually win the cup.
Mentally everyone would agree that Real Madrid is still the leading club in the Champions League even though last season Manchester City was the champion candidate. I still hold Real Madrid to qualify for the next round even though Manchester City also have the same chance. The winner will definitely reach the final and will likely win the Champions League this season.