ROME (FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017) – Andrea Capobianco has barely put a foot wrong after picking up the Italian coaching reins in the wake of his country's disappointing campaign at the FIBA EuroBasket Women 2015 Final Round.

Handed the role after Italy finished a below-par 15th place in Hungary and Romania with only a solitary win to their name, the play-caller was seemingly facing a tough challenge in taking his country to another Final Round appearance.

Pitched into a tricky qualifying group containing both Montenegro and Great Britain, who had been ever presents at the Final Round since 2011, there was no margin for error.

But, Capobianco worked some real magic with his players, as they posted a brilliant five straight wins to seal the deal and punch a pass to the Czech Republic.

Now he’s looking to continue that impressive momentum by masterminding a positive run in the competition, even if the Group Phase looks difficult alongside Rio Olympics duo Belarus and Turkey. They are both nations who Italy know well from the last edition two years ago and so revenge is on the agenda.

"Starting from the fourth pot of seeds, it was normal that we were going to be drawn into a tough group," conceded Capobianco.

"It could have been worse, even if we know that Belarus and Turkey have been consistent at the continental basketball summit.

"This is a EuroBasket Women that includes only very competitive teams and the difficulties that lie ahead will provide a great motivation for us.

"We will face this qualifying group with determination and competitive ferocity.

"We also face Belarus and Turkey again who both beat us two years ago, at EuroBasket Women and so this gives us something further to focus on."

Capobianco is likely to rely on their experienced core who play in EuroLeague Women with Beretta Famila Schio – including the likes of Laura Macchi, Raffaella Masciadri, Kathryn Ress and Giorgia Sottana.

Italy will also play against Slovak Republic in Hradec Kralove.

FIBA