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Where can you find the world’s best pizza? Most people would point to Naples, where pizza in its modern form first emerged in the late 18th century – built on flatbreads topped with summer-sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil, and cooked in a wood-fired oven. Neapolitans take pizza-making so seriously there are even strict rules defining what constitutes a true Neapolitan pizza, set by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), covering everything from diameter and dough to fermentation time and ingredients.
Now, you don’t need to jump on a plane to taste the best pizza in the world, with news that Simone Zullo, who owns Fratelli Pulcinella in Parramatta alongside his brother Alessio, has been crowned world champion for 2026 at the Trofeo Caputo World Pizza Championship in Naples, Italy. Simone won the coveted STG Neapolitan Pizza (Traditional Speciality Guaranteed) category with his Marinara pizza, judged on dough preparation, fermentation, stretching technique (by hand only), cooking, balance and flavour.
“We are incredibly proud,” said Simone and Alessio Zullo, who both hail from the small town of Alife in southern Italy. The win follows Simone’s second consecutive world title, after his 2025 World Champion win in the Pizza Classica category.
“This victory represents years of sacrifice, passion and hard work. It is not only a win for our family and our team, but also a celebration of authentic Neapolitan pizza and the UNESCO-recognised tradition behind it. We are honoured to represent both Italy and Sydney on the world stage.”
The 23rd edition of the prestigious international competition featured a three-day event in Naples, drawing more than 600 competitors from 35 countries.
The team shared the news on Instagram, saying:
“From Fratelli Pulcinella, founded by brothers Alessio and Simone Zullo, another world title comes home.
Today, Simone Zullo stands on top of the world, representing years of passion, sacrifice and dedication to the art of pizza.
From Sydney to Naples, carrying Italian pride onto the world stage.
Forza Simone! Forza Fratelli Pulcinella!”
Fratelli Pulcinella first began as a backyard operation in Parramatta in 2022 before opening its first permanent restaurant in 2023. The brothers specialise in Neapolitan pizza, handmade pasta and traditional Southern Italian flavours, and are passionate about preserving the traditions of Italian hospitality and pizza-making.
Forget Naples, perhaps Julia Roberts needs to head to Church Street for her next pizza pilgrimage... I know I will be.
Find out more here.
Address: 399 Church St, Parramatta NSW 2150
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