Italian champions Famila Schio are determined to overcome adversity and be a force in the EuroLeague Women after a two-year absence from the competition.

Coach Fabio Fossati, voted last season's top coach in Italian women's basketball, needs no reminding of the obstacles his team face this season in both the domestic league and the European competition.

Schio showed their supremacy in Italy by winning both the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia, and they are hoping to avoid falling under the same curse as the past champions.

"In the last five years the team that have won the Scudetto have done really badly the following season," Fossati told PA Sport.

		Federica Ciampoli is a new face at Schio this season

"This was the case of Taranto and Como, who were disastrous the following campaign after winning the title.

"Our aim is to remain at the top, I know that we have the quality to do so but we are also aware that our rivals in both the domestic league and the EuroLeague have greatly reinforced themselves."

It's not only recent history that Schio must overcome as the club have waved goodbye to two of their pillars, with team captain Nicoletta Caselin retiring after 17 years at the club and veteran Lorenza Artenoli leaving.

"We've lost two historic players," said Fossati.

"But the main group has stayed the same and we are now pointing towards a younger generation."

Unexpected events have also hindered the team's preparation this summer with forward Penny Taylor, who played a vital role in Schio winning their first-ever league title last season, deciding to take a three-month leave of absence.

The Australia international will only be available to play with Schio from December 1.

"It has been a difficult preparation," admitted Fossati.

"We've had several players unable to train due to injury and other players absent for different reasons."

The arrival of Serbia & Montenegro international Gordana Grubin was set to soften the blow of Taylor's absence.

However, with playmaker Elisabetta Moro having yet to fully recover from knee surgery and Italian playmaker Angela Zampella suspended until November 15 - she was punished by the Italian Basketball Federation after refusing to respond to a national team call-up - things have changed.

"With Moro unable take part in pre-season and Zampella suspended, we've had to play Gordana as our number one, a role which she is not used to," added Fossati.

"I really think that we will find our true identity by December."

But Schio will make their opponents work hard with former Parma center Federica Ciampoli now in the fold and with the ever-present Brazil international Cintia Dos Santos.

The pair inspired Schio to victory over Penta Faenza in last month's Supercup final and will aim to do the same when they make their EuroLeague debut against Russian force Ekaterinburg on October 26.

They then host French giants Bourges a week later, with Lotos Gdynia, Gambrinus Sika Brno and Euroleasing Sopron also among their Group B rivals.

Fossati could not have asked for a more challenging group upon his return to the EuroLeague, having guided Como three years ago in this competition.

"There are four teams in our group that have played in the Final Four of the EuroLeague," said Fossati.

"But it doesn't change our mentality, if you want to achieve something you have to earn it, and you have to play against the best.

"It's a very competitive tournament and we know we are going to face many difficulties.

"But nothing is written, as it was clearly seen last season when we won the league title. Everything is there for the taking.

"That is why I am not putting any limits to how far we can go in the tournament because it's down to us to believe that we can go all the way. If we don't believe that is the case we might as well stay home."