Loredana Passariello is bringing a world title home to Miami Beach, Florida, where she operates La Leggenda Pizzeria Napoletana with her partner of 30 years, Giovanni Gagliardi. Passariello took first place in the International Pizza Challenge (IPC) held March 24-26 during the International Pizza Expo. As winner of the Neapolitan division, the pizzaiola also competed for Pizza Maker of the Year, the only woman to achieve the milestone in 2026.
“It’s a great honor and also a responsibility,” Passariello tells Pizza Today. “I hope this result inspires more women to enter this field and believe in themselves.”
Making Marinara
The Neapolitan division at IPC is broken into four subdivisions:
- Marinara
- Margherita
- Margherita Extra
- VPN
Passariello opted to create a Marinara pie, which she finished with hand-crushed San Marzano DOP tomatoes, fresh garlic, oregano and extra-virgin olive oil. Her dough for the challenge was made the same way customers enjoy it at La Leggenda: She combines flour, water, salt and a small amount of yeast. The combination ferments for 24 hours at room temperature with the goal of a higher hydration creating an open, light and digestible gluten structure that respects Neapolitan standards.
She baked the pizza for 60 seconds at 450 C.
Winning Pizza on the Menu
Passariello’s winning pizza is a staple on the menu at La Leggenda, where pies are broken into three categories – Award-Winning, Classic Pizza and Gourmet Pizza. At $14, the Marinara is the most affordable entrée on the menu – but to Passariello, the victory is priceless.
“After more than 30 years working side by side with my husband, this victory represents love, sacrifice and dedication,” Passariello says. “It’s a dream come true.”
Winning might be all in the family; Gagliardi holds a first-place award in the IPC Traditional division. Now that Passariello has had a taste of success, she hopes to compete again. “I love challenging myself and continuing to grow,” she adds.
The pizzeria has begun promoting Passariello’s achievement on social media, with the hope that even more customers seek to experience the winning pizza for themselves.
For results of the International Pizza Challenge, see our complete list of winners. Or, sign up to get updates about Pizza Expo Columbus!
