Here are the first finalists of Molino Dallagiovanna's Pizza Bit Competition 2026
This past July 9th, Brindisi became the scene of one of the most intense challenges in Italian baking, when the first semifinal of the 2026 edition of Molino Dallagiovanna's Pizza Bit Competition took place at Oktagona Beach.
The challenge and the winners
Nine master pizza makers, fresh from the tough regional selection process, took to their workbenches with a clear goal: to earn a spot in the finals and demonstrate their mastery. The technical challenge of this stage revolved around an exceptional ingredient, Blackery, the innovative blend created by Molino Dallagiovanna. Each competitor had to best interpret the characteristics and potential of this dough, seeking the perfect balance between flavor, texture, and visual innovation. While the artisans were at work, the audience enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by entertainment from RDS and the presence of Andrea Mainardi and Daniele Persegani, who accompanied the pizza makers.
A technical jury composed of journalists, industry experts, and food professionals evaluated the enjoyment of each bite, analyzing the Blackery dough rolling technique, the creativity of the ingredient combinations, and the overall ability to present a balanced and modern product. Three names emerged above the rest, earning the right to pursue their dream of becoming the new Dallagiovanna Pizza Ambassador. These talents will now have the honor of competing again in September in Gragnano Trebbiense, at the prestigious historic headquarters of Molino Dallagiovanna, in the final act that will decide the overall winner of the competition.
Here are the three winners who triumphed in the Brindisi stage, securing a place in the final:
- Ivan Correnti, from Il Principà Pizzeria in Enna, who won over the judges with his pizza titled Cambiamenti.
- Ruggiero Francavilla, of Pizzeria Francavilla – Pizzeria Oltre in Barletta, who competed with the creation called Bea.
- Francesco Pio Comune, of the Trattoria Pizzeria da Cesira in Benevento, creator of the pizza called Contrasti Sanniti.
With the conclusion of this first Apulian event, the three-round semi-final series of the Pizza Bit Competition has officially begun, leaving behind the taste of a challenge won and the promise of new tales of excellence in the subsequent stages. Molino Dallagiovanna thus continues its ambitious mission of promoting contemporary pizza culture, expertly blending technical research and entertainment to bring haute cuisine ever closer to the general public.
