When Giampiero Ticchi gathers with Italy's national team players in Bormio on July 9 to step up preparations for the country's EuroBasket Women qualifying games, he's going to have a helping hand.

Famila Schio boss Sandro Orlando will be working with Ticchi and the senior women for the 16-day training camp.

Ticchi could not be happier.

"I have found that Sandro Orlando has made himself greatly available and I thank him for it," said Ticchi, who was appointed coach off the Azzurre in May.

"Orlando has transmitted to me immediately raw enthusiasm, even if being in Bormio with us will mean that he will sacrifice his holidays before he begins his club season."

Orlando led Schio to the EuroCup Women title and the Italian domestic championship in 2008.

Italy will take on Poland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Finland and Turkey in EuroBasket Division A.