Inter Milan are not underestimating Atletico Madrid – but they’re confident that they can go further in the Champions League.

Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, survey the mood at the Nerazzurri in response to getting the Colchoneros in the round of sixteen draw.

Inter always knew well that they’d be getting one of Europe’s elite in the round of sixteen.

The Nerazzurri finished second in their group behind Real Sociedad. Therefore, there would be a team who had topped their group waiting for them on the other side of the draw.

And this season, the list of teams that topped their respective groups was particularly formidable.

Maybe on paper, Atletico and Borussia Dortmund are slightly behind some of the others.

But there was a sense that no matter who Inter got in the next round, it would be very tough.

Inter Confident Ahead Of Atletico Madrid Tie – But Not Underestimating Anything

Inter did avoid teams like Manchester City, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid in the next round.

But at the same time, they don’t exactly feel like they’ve dodged any bullets.

Not with an Atletico team who topped a tough group containing Lazio, Feyenoord, and Celtic waiting for them.

The Colchoneros are currently fourth in the La Liga table. They are holding their own in a very competitive title race, ten points behind surprise league leaders Girona but with a game in hand.

Moreover, Atletico’s pedigree in Europe under Diego Simeone speaks for itself.

The Spaniards have won the Europa League twice and reached two Champions League finals with the Argentine at the helm.

Therefore, Inter know what they’re up against well.

But that was also the case last season.

The Nerazzurri faced a similarly challenging round of sixteen tie against Porto at this stage last time around.

And there were also successes against teams like Barcelona, Benfica, and AC Milan. Then, in the final, Inter came agonizingly close to glory against Manchester City, only losing 1-0.

Therefore, there is every reason for Inter to back themselves against Atletico, the team feels.

No one feels that it will be an easy matchup, of course. But at the same time, no one at Inter is looking at the tie as one where they’ll be underdogs.