Welcome to Calcio Square, an email newsletter dedicated to Serie A and Italian football. Every Thursday, I dedicate my entire post to one specific theme or trend. Today's issue focuses on Serie A's recent success in European competition.

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For all of the criticism Serie A gets — for teams going bust, racism in the stands, presidents saying or doing something stupid — it gets results in Europe.

Serie A has had a European finalist in each of the last three seasons and is having similar success this time around. Inter, Atalanta, and AC Milan are close to qualifying for the Champions League round of 16, while Juventus are guaranteed a playoff place. Lazio lead the Europe League table, and Fiorentina, who've lost back-to-back Conference League finals, remain one of the competition's top contenders.

Bologna are the only Italians to have been officially eliminated from knockout-round contention. Roma probably need a result against Eintracht Frankfurt to reach the Europa League playoffs.

But the rest are in fantastic positions to make deep runs in their respective competitions.

The most peculiar of the bunch are Milan. Only the seven-time European champions would find themselves sixth in the Champions League table and eighth back home. They've won five straight Champions League matches — including a 3-1 victory away to Real Madrid — and have generally played a more confident game in Europe.

Inter and Atalanta have helped establish standards in Serie A, so it's no surprise to see them in the top eight. Though the Nerazzurri have struggled to live up to their norms, narrowly beating last-placed Young Boys and playing safe against eliminated side Sparta Prague, they've conceded just once all tournament. That's insane.

I believe there are three key reasons for Serie A's recent success: Coaching, style of play, and international quality.

Say what you will about the way Serie A teams are run. Some of the game's best coaches still work in Italy. Simone Inzaghi has turned Inter into a well-drilled side with few deficiencies, and Gian Piero Gasperini's man-marking system works wonders for Atalanta.

Then there's the type of football they play. Rather than defend in numbers, Serie A teams opt for a high transition game that relies heavily on their wide players. Think of Milan's Rafael Leao, or Inter's Federico Dimarco, or Lazio's Nuno Tavares. Each of their teams are effective on the counter and thrive in the kind of open fixtures we see more often in Europe.

The wide array of internationals who play in Italy power this type of game. While important questions linger over the development of local players, Serie A clubs have found success recruiting outside of Italy. Young talent is cheaper across the continent, and bargains like Kenan Yildiz can be found. Teams have no choice but to prioritize their budgets right now.

Because the bottom line is important. And if results continue to flow, Serie A will reclaim a fifth Champions League spot.

Have any ideas for the newsletter? Email me at hello@calciosquare.com with your thoughts and suggestions. Thanks as always for reading.