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MasterChef Italia
MasterChef Italia
MasterChef Italia
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MasterChef Italia
GenreCookery
Based onMasterChef
Directed byUmberto Spinazzola
Judges
Country of originItaly
Original languageItalian
No. of seasons13
No. of episodes155
Production
Running time1 hour and 10 minutes
Production companiesMagnolia (seasons 1–5)
Endemol Shine Italia (season 6–)
Original release
Network
  • Sky Uno (rerun ed.1, edition 2+)
  • Cielo (edition 1, rerun ed. 2+)
Release21 September 2011 (2011-09-21) –
present

MasterChef Italia is the Italian version of culinary talent show MasterChef. The first edition was aired from 21 September to 7 December 2011 on Sky Uno.

The judges are chefs Bruno Barbieri, Carlo Cracco, Antonino Cannavacciuolo by the fifth edition and restaurateur Joe Bastianich (judge of MasterChef U.S.). Voiceovers are made by Simone D'Andrea and Luisa Ziliotto for the first five editions, Stefania Nali for the sixth and seventh and Ilaria Egitto from the eighth. Carlo Cracco quit the program after the end of 6th season and was replaced by Antonia Klugmann in the 7th. Antonia Klugmann was in turn replaced by Giorgio Locatelli for Season 8.

MasterChef Italia winners earn €100,000 in gold coins and get to publish a recipe book (published by RCS Rizzoli).

The success of the first edition included parodies of the program, including The Scoured, Crozza in Wonderland and Made in Sud with the parody Mastrochef

Format

[edit]
  • Mystery Box Challenge: participants have to prepare a dish following the instructions of the judges and the ingredients contained in their Mystery Boxes. The judges taste the three most interesting dishes, and the winner is given an advantage for the next challenge.
  • Invention Test: the participants have to re-create a dish decided by the judges or, often, by a guest (including renowned figures such as Marco Pierre White, Masaharu Morimoto and Matt Preston). The winner of the Mystery Box Challenge is given an advantage over the other participants, which could go as far as being exempted from the challenge. The duration of this test is variable, and here the judges, after tasting all dishes, nominate the winner of the test (who can choose their own team in the challenge in external as well as having other benefits) and the three cooks with the worst outcome, and between them at least one is eliminated (sometimes the others are sent directly to the Pressure Test).
  • Team Challenge: in this test, the candidates are divided into two teams (or challenge each other) and have to prepare dishes to be served in a particular situation, usually outside MasterChef's kitchen, and for a considerable number of people, ranging from 100 to 10. MasterChef Italia has visited several locations in Italy and abroad, including Norwegian fjords, the Vatican, Naples. The winner of the invention test can choose the components of either teams and, at times, the courses to prepare, or have other particular advantages, such as advice from local chefs. The winning team will be voted upon by the guests they prepared food for, by simple majority.
  • Pressure Test: the members of the losing team will compete against each other in a task (or set of tasks), usually with a very strict time limit, until at least one of them is eliminated.
  • Duel: if foreseen, the worst competitor in the Invention Test and the worst competitor in the Pressure Test or the two worst competitors in the Pressure Test compete in a very demanding test with very little time available, at the end of which one of the two is eliminated.
  • Skill Test: present since the ninth edition and alternated in the episodes with the sequence of Team Challenge and Pressure Test, requires the competitors to take a surprise exam on a specific skill, divided into three steps, each assigned to a judge, where the worst is eliminated.
  • Golden Mystery Box: the competitors must create a dish using all or some of the ingredients found inside a box, often with unexpected events and additional rules that make everything more difficult, regarding the particular cooking technique or the obligatory or prohibited use of a particular ingredient or tool. At the end of the test, the judges move between the stations to observe the dishes and then taste the best dishes, usually more than 3. The winners go up to the balcony and directly access the outdoor test or the next Skill Test.
  • Black Mystery Box: the competitors must create a dish using all or some of the ingredients found inside a box, often with unexpected events and additional rules that make everything more difficult, regarding the particular cooking technique or the obligatory or prohibited use of a particular ingredient or tool. At the end of the test, the judges move between the stations to observe the dishes and the winning competitor receives a lesson in the MasterChef Magazine. The judges then call the worst dishes, and the 3 worst will face a Pressure Test.
  • Stress Test: introduced in the thirteenth edition, competitors must pass a skills exam in 10 minutes, to demonstrate that they are able to work under pressure. The test is led by a "shadow" chef whose identity is revealed shortly before the start of the test.
  • The Final: in the Season Finale, the two (or three) remaining participants face each other in a 2-hour long duel, during which they have to serve their own degustation menu, composed of at least four courses.

Season One

[edit]

The first season of MasterChef Italy aired from 21 September to 7 December in 2011 on Sky and saw Spyros Theodoridis come out the winner. In addition, on 21 and 28 December, two special episodes were aired dedicated to the background and to the comments of the protagonists.

Contestants

[edit]
Contestant Age Occupation Origin Status Place
Fred Reitsma 58 Trade agent Livorno, Tuscany Eliminated 1st 18th
Paolo Vidoz 40 Former boxer and farmer Gorizia, Friuli-Venezia Giulia Eliminated 2nd 17th
Marìka Gennari 30 Athlete Novara, Piedmont Eliminated 3rd 16th
Davide Spadoni 23 Employee La Spezia, Liguria Eliminated 4th 15th
Diego Spatari 40 Skipper Firenze, Tuscany Eliminated 5th 14th
Alessandro de Sio 27 Bartender Salerno, Campania Eliminated 6th 13th
Agnese Malatesti 33 Event organizer Rome, Lazio Eliminated 7th 12th
Giada Serra 20 Oriental language student Varese, Lombardy Eliminated 8th 11th
Anna Lupi 48 Former dancer Verona, Veneto Eliminated 9th 10th
Enea Mazzoleni 23 Architectonic restorer Bergamo, Lombardy Eliminated 10th 9th
Chiara Orioli 26 Personal trainer Brescia, Lombardy Eliminated 11th 8th
Alberico Nunziata 34 Air Force sergeant Rome, Lazio Eliminated 12th 7th
Federico Stefanini 28 3D Graphic designer Parma, Emilia-Romagna Eliminated 13th 6th
Giuseppe Danny D'Annibale 30 Engineering student Rome, Lazio Eliminated 14th 5th
Immacolata Imma Gargiulo 38 Housewife Naples, Campania Eliminated 15th 4th
Ilenia Bazzacco 38 Housewife Treviso, Veneto Eliminated 16th 3rd
Luisa Cuozzo 23 Political science student Naples, Campania Runner-up 2nd
Spyros Theodoridis 37 Employee Modena, Emilia-Romagna Winner 1st

Season Two

[edit]

In February 2012 Sky Italy opened up the casting for the second edition.

The winner of the second edition was attorney Tiziana Stefanelli. Unlike the previous edition, the first MasterChef aired on Sky One from 13 December 2012[1] to 21 February 2013. On days 19, 20 and 21 November 2012, three special introductory episodes had aired: Joe Bastianich: Family Affairs, Carlo Cracco:The Squaring Of The Egg and Bruno Barbieri: Chef 7-Star.[2] In addition, the three judges were guests in an episode of X Factor Italy, of That Heavenly Goal! and The Barbarian Invasions.[citation needed]

Contestants

[edit]
Contestant Age Occupation Origin Status Place
Giorgio Gramegna 32 Graphic designer Novara, Piedmont Eliminated 1st 18th
Regina Finocchiaro 23 Engineering student Acireale, Sicily Eliminated 2nd 17th
Margherita Rigotti 26 Unemployed Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige Eliminated 3rd 16th
Federico Bonadies 33 Engineer Bari, Apulia Eliminated 4th 15th
Giorgio Anthony Ruggeri 29 Agriculture student Ragusa, Sicily Eliminated 5th 14th
Letizia Fidotti 24 Law student Rome, Lazio Eliminated 6th 13th
Guido D'Eramo 48 Plumber Rome, Lazio Eliminated 7th 12th
Suien Sani 25 Unemployed Pistoia, Tuscany Eliminated 8th 11th
Agnese Gullotta 22 Psychology student Misterbianco, Sicily Eliminated 9th 10th
Michele Bendini 34 Veterinarian Città di Castello, Umbria Eliminated 10th 9th
Nicola Dragani 41 Kitchen hand Pescara, Abruzzo Eliminated 11th 8th
Paola Galloni 39 Housewife Milan, Lombardy Eliminated 12th 7th
Daiana Cecconi 53 Housewife Follonica, Tuscany Eliminated 13th 6th
Marika Elefante 27 Educational Sciences student Naples, Campania Eliminated 14th 5th
Ivan Iurato 35 Employee Comiso, Sicily Eliminated 15th 4th
Andrea Marconetti 37 Computer programmer Vimodrone, Lombardy Eliminated 16th 3rd
Maurizio Rosazza Prin 33 Painter and copywriter Como, Lombardy Runner-up 2nd
Tiziana Stefanelli 41 Lawyer Rome, Lazio Winner 1st

Season Three

[edit]

In February 2013 casting opened for the third edition. The race started 19 December 2013 and ended on 6 March 2014. The winner of the third edition was Francesco Federico Ferrero, a medical intern.[3] Unlike the other two editions, the winner was announced live at the General Stores in Milan. The season will be broadcast again on Cielo, a DTV channel, in September 2014.

Contestants

[edit]
Contestant Age Occupation Origin Status Place
Margherita Cicinelli 18 High school student Giovinazzo, Apulia Eliminated 1st 20th
Haeri Youn 31 Housewife Pioltello, Lombardy Eliminated 2nd 19th
Daniele Pietrobelli 29 Videogames developer Schio, Veneto Eliminated 3st 18th
Giovanna Walendziak 35 Employee Altavilla Vicentina, Veneto Eliminated 4th 17th
Jessica Rizzetto 25 Worker Pordenone, Friuli-Venezia Giulia Eliminated 5th 16th
Giorgio Deriu 25 Law student Melendugno, Apulia Eliminated 6th 15th
Laura Castrataro 48 Unemployed Rocchetta a Volturno, Molise Eliminated 7th 14th
Michele Guida 45 Worker Ordona, Apulia Eliminated 8th 13th
Ludovica Baiocco 30 Housewife Montecosaro, Marche Eliminated 9th 12th
Marco Gianfreda 39 Director Rome, Lazio Eliminated 10th 11th
Emma Sarr 27 Unemployed Fossano, Piedmont Eliminated 11th 10th
Beatrice De Tullio 23 Management student Pescara, Abruzzo Eliminated 12th 9th
Michele Cannistraro 35 Foreman Rozzano, Lombardy Eliminated 13th 8th
Alberto Naponi 69 Retired Cremona, Lombardy Eliminated 14th 7th
Rachida Karrati 48 Seamstress Sorisole, Lombardy Eliminated 15th 6th
Eleonora Federici 35 Gemologist Pavia, Lombardy Eliminated 16th 5th
Salvatore Russo 40 Sea captain Piano di Sorrento, Campania Eliminated 17th 4th
Enrica Della Martira 32 Sales representative Florence, Tuscany Eliminated 18th 3rd
Almo Bibolotti 39 Dog hotelier Bari, Apulia Runner-up 2nd
Federico Francesco Ferrero 39 Nutritionist doctor Turin, Piedmont Winner 1st

Season Four

[edit]

In February 2014 casting opened for the fourth season scheduled for the second half of 2014 again on Sky Uno. Filming of these episodes will begin in June. MasterChef Italy started on 18 December 2014 and the winner was Stefano Callegaro. The winner's name was leaked by the media and published before the final episode of the season.

Contestants

[edit]
Contestant Age Occupation Origin Status Place
Gabriele Costantino 46 Business consultant Arezzo, Tuscany Eliminated 1st 20th
Alessandro Clementi 31 Employee Dairago, Lombardy Eliminated 2nd 19th
Carmine Giovinazzo 30 Trucker Codevigo, Veneto Eliminated 3st 18th
Ilaria Carratù 24 Sales representative Naples, Campania Eliminated 4th 17th
Serena De Maio 25 Unemployed Vicenza, Veneto Eliminated 5th 16th
Fabiano Mantovan 41 Craftsman Porto Viro, Veneto Eliminated 6th 15th
Viola Melania Berti 20 Barlady Milan, Lombardy Eliminated 7th 14th
Chiara Zanotti 37 Travel agent Monterotondo, Lazio Eliminated 8th 13th
Silvana Amodeo 32 Housewife Bitonto, Apulia Eliminated 9th 12th
Giuseppe Garozzo Zannini Quirini 50 Civil servant Rome, Lazio Eliminated 10th 11th
Filippo Cassano 40 Project manager Rome, Lazio Eliminated 11th 10th
Valentina Pozzato 29 Nurse Biella, Piedmont Eliminated 12th 9th
Simone Finetti 24 Electrician Argenta, Emilia-Romagna Eliminated 13th 8th
Federica Fiocchetti 32 Housewife Padenghe sul Garda, Lombardy Eliminated 14th 7th
Maria Acquaroli 27 Wedding planner Bergamo, Lombardy Eliminated 15th 6th
Arianna Contenti 42 Bank clerk Rome, Lazio Eliminated 16th 5th
Paolo Armando 42 Computer technician and catechist Cuneo, Piedmont Eliminated 17th 4th
Amelia Falco 26 Economics student Piana di Monte Verna, Campania Eliminated 18th 3rd
Nicolò Pietro Prati 21 Agriculture student Milan, Lombardy Runner-up 2nd
Stefano Callegaro 43 Realtor Adria, Veneto Winner 1st

Season Five

[edit]

In February 2015 casting opened for the fifth season started on 18 December 2015, on Sky Uno. By this season there was a new entry, Antonino Cannavacciuolo as a new judge. The Season Finale aired on 3 March 2016, and the winner was Erica Liverani.

Contestants

[edit]
Contestant Age Occupation Origin Status Place
Jacopo Maraldi 22 Law student Cesenatico, Emilia-Romagna Eliminated 1st 20th
Ivana Fulvia Acciaioli 61 Retired teacher Prato, Tuscany Eliminated 2nd 19th
Sabina Babura 22 Housewife Pavullo nel Frignano, Emilia-Romagna Eliminated 3st 18th
Francesco Amato 48 Employee Mestre, Veneto Eliminated 4th 17th
Beatrice Ronconi 24 Pig farmer Marmirolo, Lombardy Eliminated 5th 16th
Alice Pasquato 29 Marketing manager Brenta, Lombardy Eliminated 6th 15th
Luigi Muraro 24 Graphic designer Zevio, Veneto Eliminated 7th 14th
Maria "Marzia" Bellino 57 Pharmacist Casola Valsenio, Emilia-Romagna Eliminated 8th 13th
Laura Duchini 40 Unemployed Bellinzona, Ticino Eliminated 9th 12th
Andrea Torelli 33 Photographer Borgo Valsugana, Trentino-Alto Adige Eliminated 10th 11th
Giovanni Gaetani 26 PhD student in philosophy Gaeta, Lazio Eliminated 11th 10th
Mattia D'Agostini 21 Waiter Selvazzano Dentro, Veneto Eliminated 12th 9th
Sylvie Rondeau 47 Fashion designer Casciago, Lombardy Eliminated 13th 8th
Rubina Rovini 34 Unemployed Pontedera, Tuscany Eliminated 14th 7th
Dario Baruffa 29 Gas station attendant Berra, Emilia-Romagna Eliminated 15th 6th
Lucia Giorgi 50 Shop assistant Brescia, Lombardy Eliminated 16th 5th
Maradona Youssef 28 Educational Sciences student Trieste, Friuli-Venezia Giulia Eliminated 17th 4th
Lorenzo De Guio 23 Butcher Roana, Veneto Eliminated 18th 3rd
Alida Gotta 25 Unemployed Turin, Piedmont Runner-up 2nd
Erica Liverani 30 Physiotherapist Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna Winner 1st

Season Six

[edit]

In February 2016 casting opened for the sixth season scheduled for the second half of 2016 on Sky Uno. The winner of this season was the youngest winner in MasterChef Italia History, Valerio Braschi (18 years old).

Contestants

[edit]
Contestant Age Occupation Origin Status Place
Alves "Lalla" Pedriali 61 Retired teacher Cesena, Emilia-Romagna Eliminated 1st 20th
Antonella Orsino 37 Accountant Cusano Mutri, Campania Eliminated 2nd 19th
Vittoria Polloni 29 Store manager Brescia, Lombardy Eliminated 3st 18th
Alain Stratta 33 Insurance adjuster Donnas, Aosta Valley Eliminated 4th 17th
Marco Moreschi 40 Entrepreneur Gussago, Lombardy Eliminated 5th 16th
Marco Vandoni 37 Manager Milan, Lombardy Eliminated 6th 15th
Barbara D'Aniello 44 Beautician Verona, Veneto Eliminated 7th 14th
Maria Zaccagni 29 Employee Bari, Apulia Eliminated 8th 13th
Daniele Cui 37 Stay-at-home dad Selargius, Sardinia Eliminated 9th 12th
Roberto Perugini 36 Worker Predappio, Emilia-Romagna Eliminated 10th 11th
Mariangela Gigante 39 Criminal lawyer Castellaneta, Apulia Eliminated 11th 10th
Giulia Brandi 30 Shop keeper Fermignano, Marche Eliminated 12th 9th
Gabriele Gatti 46 Architect Turin, Piedmont Eliminated 13th 8th
Michele Pirozzi 34 Funeral item representative San Felice a Cancello, Campania Eliminated 14th 7th
Michele Ghedini 21 High school student Porto Mantovano, Lombardy Eliminated 15th 6th
Loredana Martori 38 Architecture consultant San Giorgio Morgeto, Calabria Eliminated 16th 5th
Margherita Russo 27 Law student Palermo, Sicily Eliminated 17th 4th
Gloria Enrico 24 Barlady Tovo San Giacomo, Liguria Runner-up 2nd
Cristina Nicolini 25 Practicing lawyer Fiorentino, San Marino Runner-up 2nd
Valerio Braschi 18 High school student Santarcangelo di Romagna, Emilia-Romagna Winner 1st

Season Seven

[edit]

In February 2017 casting opened for the seventh season scheduled for the end of the year. The 7th season started airing in December 2017 until April 2018. Carlo Cracco was replaced by the first woman judge, Antonia Klugmann. This edition was won by Simone Scipioni.

Contestants

[edit]
Contestant Age Occupation Origin Status Place
Simonetta Piccardo 47 Unemployed Genova, Liguria Eliminated 1st 22nd
Tiziana Sassi 43 Housewife Romano di Lombardia, Lombardy Eliminated 2nd 21st
Eri Koishi 45 Self-employed Trieste, Friuli-Venezia Giulia Eliminated 3rd 20th
Jose Oppi 27 Musician Massarosa, Tuscany Eliminated 4th 19th
Stefano Biondi 20 Civil engineering student Cagliari, Sardinia Eliminated 5th 18th
Michele Sardo 35 Cruise ship personnel Trieste, Friuli-Venezia Giulia Eliminated 6th 17th
Rocco Buffone 28 Chemistry teacher Amantea, Calabria Eliminated 7th 16th
Joayda Herrera 31 Shop keeper Campobasso, Molise Eliminated 8th 15th
Matteo Marchetto 56 Physical education teacher Sovizzo, Veneto Eliminated 9th 14th
Italo Screpanti 74 Retired airplane pilot Pedaso, Marche Eliminated 10th 13th
Giovanna Rosanio 50 Kindergarten teacher Deruta, Umbria Eliminated 11th 12th
Manuela Costantini 36 Real estate consultant Ascoli Piceno, Marche Eliminated 12th 11th
Fabrizio Ferri 53 Egg carrier Pescara, Abruzzo Eliminated 13th 10th
Ludovica Starita 19 Linguistic mediation student Rome, Lazio Eliminated 14th 9th
Francesco Rozza 23 Food science student Ticengo, Lombardy Eliminated 15th 8th
Antonino Bucolo 36 Butcher Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, Sicily Eliminated 16th 7th
Marianna Calderaro 40 Employee Monopoli, Apulia Eliminated 17th 6th
Denise Delli 35 Clinical risk manager Calci, Tuscany Eliminated 18th 5th
Davide Aviano 36 Radiographer Varese, Lombardy Eliminated 19th 4th
Alberto Menino 23 Mycologist Tortona, Piedmont Eliminated 20th 3rd
Kateryna Gryniukh 23 Unemployed Salerno, Campania Runner-up 2nd
Simone Scipioni 20 Food science student Montecosaro, Marche Winner 1st

Season Eight

[edit]

The 8th season of MasterChef started airing in December 2018 until April 2019. Antonia Klugmann left MasterChef after only one season, being replaced by chef Giorgio Locatelli. The winner was Valeria Raciti from Sicily. She then published the book Amore curiosità istinto. La mia cucina felice.[4]

Contestants

[edit]
Contestant Age Occupation Origin Status Place
Paola Chiaraluce 36 Product manager Dublin, Ireland Eliminated 1st 20th
Caterina Gualdi 53 Housewife Cene, Lombardy Eliminated 2nd 19th
Tiziana Bortolon 53 Craftswoman Castelfranco Veneto, Veneto Eliminated 3st 18th
Tiziana Rispoli 42 Shop assistant Positano, Campania Eliminated 4th 17th
Gerry Alotta 37 Blacksmith Busto Arsizio, Lombardy Eliminated 5th 16th
Vito Tauro 51 Tire dealer Castellana Grotte, Apulia Eliminated 6th 15th
Samuele Cesarini 22 Butcher San Marino Eliminated 7th 14th
Anna Martelli 72 Retired Pecetto Torinese, Piedmont Eliminated 8th 13th
Giovanni Venditti 37 Medical student Naples, Campania Eliminated 9th 12th
Verando Zappi 33 Marketing and communication manager Viterbo, Lazio Eliminated 10th 11th
Virginia Fabbri 22 Law student Urbino, Marche Eliminated 11th 10th
Salvatore Cozzitorto 31 Cargo ship commander Agrigento, Sicily Eliminated 12th 9th
Federico Penzo 20 Fisherman Chioggia, Veneto Eliminated 13th 8th
Loretta Rizzotti 51 Architect Rivanazzano Terme, Lombardy Eliminated 14th 7th
Giuseppe Lavecchia 35 Peddler Salice Terme, Lombardy Eliminated 15th 6th
Guido Fejles 33 Practicing lawyer Cambiano, Piedmont Eliminated 16th 5th
Alessandro Bigatti 33 Employee Lodi, Lombardy Eliminated 17th 4th
Gloria Clama 40 Worker Tolmezzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia Runner-up 2nd
Gilberto Neirotti 23 Law student Verona, Veneto Runner-up 2nd
Valeria Raciti 31 Secretary Aci Sant'Antonio, Sicily Winner 1st

Season Nine

[edit]

The 9th season of MasterChef started airing in December 2019. Joe Bastianich left MasterChef after eight seasons, Bruno Barbieri is now the only judge left from the original cast. Antonio Lorenzon is the winner of this season.

Contestants

[edit]
Contestant Age Occupation Origin Status Place
Alexandro Picchietti Fabrizi 40 Crane operator Rome, Lazio Eliminated 1st 20th
Maria Assunta Cassetta 53 Teacher Rapolla, Basilicata Eliminated 2nd 19th
Nunzia Borrelli 44 Beautician Naples, Campania Eliminated 3st 18th
Rossella Costa 48 Entrepreneur Catanzaro, Calabria Eliminated 4th 17th
Domenico Letizia 36 Lawyer Marcianise, Campania Eliminated 5th 16th
Andrea De Giorgi 23 Shop assistant Lecce, Apulia Eliminated 6th 15th
Gianna Meccariello 29 Shop assistant Benevento, Campania Eliminated 7th 14th
Fabio Scotto di Vetta 37 Lawyer Naples, Campania Eliminated 8th 13th
Annamaria Magi 55 Housewife Lecce, Apulia Eliminated 9th 12th
Milenys De Las Mercedes Gordillo Sanchez 49 Shop assistant Camerino, Marche Eliminated 10th 11th
Giada Meloni 26 Copywriter Cornaredo, Lombardy Eliminated 11th 10th
Vincenzo Trimarco 65 Customs broker Salerno, Campania Eliminated 12th 9th
Giulia Busato 31 Employee Noale, Veneto Eliminated 13th 8th
Francesca Moi 29 Barlady Pisa, Tuscany Eliminated 14th 7th
Luciano Di Marco 52 Surveyor Palermo, Sicily Eliminated 15th 6th
Nicolò Duchini 29 Social media manager Montepulciano, Tuscany Eliminated 16th 5th
Davide Tonetti 30 Unemployed Gallarate, Lombardy Eliminated 17th 4th
Marisa Maffeo 33 Nurse Parma, Emilia-Romagna Runner-up 2nd
Maria Teresa Ceglia 31 Financial advisor Milan, Lombardy Runner-up 2nd
Antonio Lorenzon 43 Art director Bassano del Grappa, Veneto Winner 1st

Season Ten

[edit]

The 10th season of MasterChef started airing on 17 December 2020. The contestants include American journalist, Maxwell Alexander. The winner was Francesco Aquila.

Contestants

[edit]
Contestant Age Occupation Origin Status Place
Camilla Lucrezia Lampani 35 Unemployed Albisola Superiore, Liguria Eliminated 1st 21st
Francesco Genovese 59 Bank clerk Palermo, Sicily Eliminated 2nd 20th
Giuseppe Ricchiuti 36 Plumber Florence, Tuscany Eliminated 3rd 19th
Irish Soldani 25 Event planner Bassano del Grappa, Veneto Eliminated 4th 18th
Sedighe Sharifi Dahaji 32 Director Venice, Veneto Eliminated 5th 17th
Alessandra Nioi 29 Law student Elmas, Sardinia Eliminated 6th 16th
Marco Piccolo 31 Unemployed Rome, Lazio Eliminated 7th 15th
Daiana Meli 32 Lawyer Caltanissetta, Sicily Eliminated 8th 14th
Ilda Muja 43 Self-employed Novara, Piedmont Eliminated 9th 13th
Igor Nori 42 Choir director Montecchio Maggiore, Veneto Eliminated 10th 12th
Valeria Caserta 24 Head waitress Vasto, Abruzzo Eliminated 11th 11th
Cristiano Cavolini 46 Worker Bologna, Emilia-Romagna Eliminated 12th 10th
Maxwell Alexander 63 Writer and journalist Rome, Lazio Eliminated 13th 9th
Jia Bi Ge 53 Translator Bari, Apulia Eliminated 14th 8th
Eduard Lora Alcantara 29 Shop assistant Verona, Veneto Eliminated 15th 7th
Federica Di Lieto 30 Chemical engineering student Montalto Uffugo, Calabria Eliminated 16th 6th
Azzurra D'Arpa 37 Croupier Palermo, Sicily Eliminated 17th 5th
Monir Eddardary 29 Flight attendant Bevagna, Umbria Eliminated 18th 4th
Irene Volpe 21 Industrial design student Rome, Lazio Runner-up 2nd
Antonio Colasanto 26 PhD student in Food chemistry Novara, Piedmont Runner-up 2nd
Francesco Aquila 34 Maître Bellaria – Igea Marina, Emilia-Romagna Winner 1st

Season Eleven

[edit]

The 11th season of MasterChef started airing on 16 December 2021. The winner was Tracy Eboigbodin.

Contestants

[edit]
Contestant Age Occupation Origin Status Place
Giulia Masetti 30 Model Bologna, Emilia-Romagna Eliminated 1st 20th
Andrealetizia Pedrini 25 Unemployed Brighton, England Eliminated 2nd 19th
Rita Monforte 53 Entrepreneur Catania, Sicily Eliminated 3st 18th
Andrea Comazzi 42 Maître Marano Ticino, Piedmont Eliminated 4th 17th
Nicholas Bianchini 21 Radiography student Arezzo, Tuscany Eliminated 5th 16th
Anna Leone 30 Nutritionist Codigoro, Emilia-Romagna Eliminated 6th 15th
Bruno Tanzi 64 Sales representative Parma, Emilia-Romagna Eliminated 7th 14th
Maria Grazia "Mery" Liviero 26 Personal trainer Rome, Lazio Eliminated 8th 13th
Tina Caruso 39 Shop assistant Piacenza, Emilia-Romagna Eliminated 9th 12th
Pietro Adragna 42 Self-employed Palermo, Sicily Eliminated 10th 11th
Dalia Rivolta 30 Commercial advisor Turin, Piedmont Eliminated 11th 10th
Gabriele "Polone" Policarpo 34 Bouncer Anzio, Lazio Eliminated 12th 9th
Mime Kataniwa 48 Tour guide Florence, Tuscany Eliminated 13th 8th
Elena Morlacchi 54 Housewife Lido Adriano, Emilia-Romagna Eliminated 14th 7th
Federico Chimirri 30 DJ Milan, Lombardy Eliminated 15th 6th
Nicky Brian Perera 28 Designer Brighton, England Eliminated 16th 5th
Lia Valetti 30 Bank clerk Bardolino, Veneto Eliminated 17th 4th
Christian Passeri 20 Chemical engineering student Bosconero, Piedmont Runner-up 2nd
Carmine Gorrasi 18 High school student Battipaglia, Campania Runner-up 2nd
Tracy Eboigbodin 28 Waitress Verona, Veneto Winner 1st

Season Twelve

[edit]

The 12th season of MasterChef started airing on 15 December 2022. The winner was Edoardo Franco.

Contestants

[edit]
Contestant Age Occupation Origin Status Place
Luciana Battistini 74 Retired Milan, Lombardy Eliminated 1st 20th
Rachele Rossi 34 Sales manager Milan, Lombardy Eliminated 2nd 19th
Francesco Girardi 33 Photographer Cesena, Emilia-Romagna Eliminated 3rd 18th
Letizia Borri 25 Health Care Assistant Carpi, Emilia-Romagna Eliminated 4th 17th
Francesca Filippone 39 Export manager Rancio Valcuvia, Lombardy Eliminated 5th 16th
Ivana Santomo 60 Parliamentary secretary Rome, Lazio Eliminated 6th 15th
Giuseppe Carlone 43 Medical laboratory manager Bari, Apulia Eliminated 7th 14th
Silvia Zummo 56 Hotelier Rome, Lazio Eliminated 8th 13th
Nicola Longanesi 20 Gastronomic sciences student Bagnacavallo, Emilia-Romagna Eliminated 9th 12th
Ollivier Stemberger 45 Luxury goods manager Parma, Emilia-Romagna Eliminated 10th 11th
Laura Manili 31 Architect Rome, Lazio Eliminated 11th 10th
Leonardo Colavito 20 Economy student Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige Eliminated 12th 9th
Francesco Saragò 29 Waiter Rome, Lazio Eliminated 13th 8th
Lavinia Scotto 22 Economy student Chieri, Piedmont Eliminated 14th 7th
Roberto Resta 34 Mechanical designer Fombio, Lombardy Eliminated 15th 6th
Sara Messaoudi 27 Employee Bergamo, Lombardy Eliminated 16th 5th
Mattia Tagetto 37 Wine shop manager Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige Eliminated 17th 4th
Antonio "Bubu" Gargiulo 19 Archeology student Sestu, Sardinia Runner-up 2nd
Hue Dinh Thi 27 Project assistant Florence, Tuscany Runner-up 2nd
Edoardo Franco 26 Unemployed Varese, Lombardy Winner 1st

Season Thirteen

[edit]

The 13th season of MasterChef started airing on 14 December 2023. The winner was Eleonora Riso.

Contestants

[edit]
Contestant Age Occupation Origin Status Place
Henintsoa "Chù" Razanadrabe 22 Economy student Parma, Emilia-Romagna Eliminated 1st 20th
Fiorenza Pennacchio 31 Radiology technician Giugliano in Campania, Campania Eliminated 2nd 19th
Valeria Zullo 52 Windsurfer Rome, Lazio Eliminated 3rd 18th
Nicolò Molinari 19 Law student Rome, Lazio Eliminated 4th 17th
Beatrice Belli 19 Basketball player Rome, Lazio Eliminated 5th 16th
Anna Pisano 62 Pharmacist San Marco Argentano, Calabria Eliminated 6th 15th
Andrea Sciamanna 34 Sommelier Senigallia, Marche Eliminated 7th 14th
Alberto Pierobon 33 Manager of a fish shop San Martino di Lupari, Veneto Eliminated 8th 13th
Alice Scaffardi 27 Unemployed Rome, Lazio Eliminated 9th 12th
Lorenzo Silvidio 21 Network marketer Torrevecchia Teatina, Abruzzo Eliminated 10th 11th
Filippo Baldo 25 Architect Cittadella, Veneto Eliminated 11th 10th
Marcus Agerstroem 43 Stay-at-home dad Cherasco, Piedmont Eliminated 12th 9th
Settimino Difonzo 61 Grocer Santeramo in Colle, Apulia Eliminated 13th 8th
Deborah Meloni 30 Team leader Poggio Mirteto, Lazio Eliminated 14th 7th
Kassandra Galindo Rodriguez 25 Barlady Verla di Giovo, Trentino-Alto Adige Eliminated 15th 6th
Niccolò Califano 26 Medical doctor Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna Eliminated 16th 5th
Sara Bellinzona 24 Employee Montalto Pavese, Lombardy Eliminated 17th 4th
Antonio Mazzola 28 Surveyor Höhenkirchen-Siegertsbrunn, Germany Runner-up 2nd
Michela Morelli 45 Personal trainer Appiano sulla Strada del Vino, Trentino-Alto Adige Runner-up 2nd
Eleonora Riso 27 Waitress Florence, Tuscany Winner 1st

Season Fourteen

[edit]

The 14th season of MasterChef started airing on 12 December 2024. The winner was Yi Lan "Anna" Zhang.

Contestants

[edit]
Contestant Age Occupation Origin Status Place
Simone Bazzali 29 Farmer Sospirolo, Veneto Eliminated 1st 20th
Giulio Valtriani 35 Lifeguard Cascina, Tuscany Eliminated 2nd 19th
Ilaria di Lelio 26 Children's Entertainer Rome, Lazio Eliminated 3rd 18th
Gaetano Di Trapani 19 Student Palermo, Sicily Eliminated 4th 17th
Laura Tampellini 29 Unemployed Gambara, Lombardy Eliminated 5th 16th
Martina Buriani 25 Head Waitress Pietrasanta, Tuscany Eliminated 6th 15th
Reza Djebbelly 56 Sales Manager Rome, Lazio Eliminated 7th 14th
Linda Mirabella 49 Bartender Turin, Piedmont Eliminated 8th 13th
Giuseppe Pino Iacobbe 61 Carpenter Miglianico, Abruzzo Eliminated 9th 12th
Sara Ferretti 27 Model Naples, Campania Eliminated 10th 11th
Samuele Uva 19 Unemployed Desenzano Del Garda, Lombardy Eliminated 11th 10h
Alessia Scita 21 Waitress Parma, Emilia-Romagna Eliminated 12th 9th
Gianni Marino 30 Clerk Palermo, Sicily Eliminated 13th 8th
Claudio Ciraci 33 Inspection Centre Owner San Michele Salentino, Apulia Eliminated 14th 7th
Katia Bassolino 43 Clerk Mariglianella, Campania Eliminated 15th 6th
Franco Della Bella 43 Marketing Director Verona, Veneto Eliminated 16th 5th
Mary Cuzzupè 30 Human Resources Manager Villongo, Lombardy Eliminated 17th 4th
Jacopo "Jack" Canevali 26 Content Creator Cesano Boscone, Lombardy Runner-up 2nd
Simone Grazioso 35 Entrepreneur La Morra, Piedmont Runner-up 2nd
Yi Lan "Anna" Zhang 32 Fashion Consultant Milan, Lombardy Winner 1st

Spin-off editions

[edit]

Junior MasterChef Italia

[edit]

On 16 April 2013, it was announced the MasterChef inspired spin-off, MasterChef Italy Junior, would involve children between 8 and 13 years of age. The casting began on 17 April 2013. The judges are Bruno Barbieri, Lidia Bastianich and Alessandro Borghese in the first two seasons, while Gennaro Esposito replaced Lidia Bastianich in the third. The first season aired from 13 March to 10 April 2014. After three seasons, the spin-off was put on hiatus.

Celebrity MasterChef Italia

[edit]

In 2017, the first season of Celebrity MasterChef Italia ended with the victory of Roberta Capua, an Italian TV host.

Contestants

[edit]
Contestant Age Occupation Origin Status Place
Serra Yılmaz 62 Actress Istanbul, Turkey Eliminated 1st 12th
Stefano Meloccaro 52 Sports journalist Rieti, Lazio Eliminated 2nd 11th
Enrica Guidi 32 Actress Livorno, Tuscany Eliminated 3rd 10th
Maria Grazia Cucinotta 48 Actress Messina, Sicily Eliminated 4th 9th
Antonio Capitani 58 Astrologist Porto Santo Stefano, Tuscany Eliminated 5th 8th
Mara Maionchi 75 Record producer Bologna, Emilia-Romagna Eliminated 6th 7th
Alex Britti 48 Singer-songwriter Rome, Lazio Eliminated 7th 6th
Elena Di Cioccio 42 Actress and TV host Milan, Lombardy Eliminated 8th 5th
Filippo Magnini 35 Swimmer Pesaro, Marche Eliminated 9th 4th
Marisa Passera 44 TV and radio host Milan, Lombardy Eliminated 9th 3rd
Nesli 36 Singer-songwriter Senigallia, Marche Runner-up 2nd
Roberta Capua 48 TV host Naples, Campania Winner 1st

Celebrity MasterChef Italia 2

[edit]

In 2018, the second season of Celebrity MasterChef Italia ended with the victory of Anna Tatangelo, an Italian singer.

Contestants

[edit]
Contestant Age Occupation Origin Status Place
Laura Barriales 35 Actress and model León, Spain Eliminated 1st 12th
Umberto Guidoni 63 Astronaut and astrophysicist Rome, Lazio Eliminated 2nd 11th
Barbara Alberti 74 Journalist and writer Umbertide, Umbria Eliminated 3rd 10th
Valerio Spinella 35 Sports journalist Rome, Lazio Eliminated 4th 9th
Serena Autieri 41 Actress Naples, Campania Eliminated 5th 8th
Lorenzo Amoruso 46 Former footballer Bari, Apulia Eliminated 6th 7th
Andrea Lo Cicero 41 Rugby player Catania, Sicily Eliminated 7th 6th
Margherita Granbassi 38 Former fencer and TV host Trieste, Friuli-Venezia Giulia Eliminated 8th 5th
Daniele Tombolini 56 Former referee Loreto, Marche Eliminated 9th 4th
Davide Devenuto 46 Actor Rome, Lazio Eliminated 9th 3rd
Orietta Berti 71 Singer Cavriago, Emilia-Romagna Runner-up 2nd
Anna Tatangelo 31 Singer Sora, Lazio Winner 1st

Masterchef All Stars Italia

[edit]

On 1 June 2018, the Italian version of MasterChef All Stars is announced, the spin-off of MasterChef where 16 of the most talented former competitors of the seven editions held so far will participate. On 21 June, the 16 contestants who will form the cast were announced. The judges are Bruno Barbieri and Antonino Cannavacciuolo, supported each evening by a guest judge chosen in rotation among Joe Bastianich, Antonia Klugmann, Iginio Massari and Giorgio Locatelli. It was broadcast on Sky Uno from 20 December 2018 to 10 January 2019. The winner was Michele Cannistraro.

Contestants

[edit]
Contestant Age Previous Season Previous Season Placing Status Place
Marika Elefante 34 MC2 5th Eliminated 1st Top 16
Dario Baruffa 32 MC5 6th Eliminated 2nd Top 16
Loredana Martori 40 MC6 5th Eliminated 3rd Top 16
Anna Lupi 56 MC1 10th Eliminated 4th Top 16
Daiana Cecconi 59 MC2 6th Eliminated 5th Top 16
Paola Galloni 45 MC2 7th Eliminated 6th 11th
Almo Bibolotti 44 MC3 2nd Eliminated 7th 10th
Alberto Menino 24 MC7 3rd Eliminated 8th 9th
Maurizio Rosazza Prin 40 MC2 2nd Eliminated 9th 8th
Alida Gotta 28 MC5 2nd Eliminated 10th 7th
Ivan Iurato 42 MC2 4th Eliminated 11th 6th
Maradona Youssef 31 MC5 4th Eliminated 12th 5th
Giuseppe Danny D'Annibale 38 MC1 5th Eliminated 13th 4th
Simone Finetti 29 MC4 8th Runner-up 2nd
Rubina Rovini 37 MC5 7th Runner-up 2nd
Michele Cannistraro 41 MC3 8th Winner 1st

Note

[edit]
  1. ^ ^ The second season of Masterchef on Sky One | DavideMaggio.it
  2. ^ MasterChef Italy 2012 promotional video
  3. ^ "Ferrero: "I won Masterchef because no one had an idea of the kitchen," interview with the chef". Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 9 September 2014.
  4. ^ Raciti, Valeria (2019). Amore curiosità istinto. La mia cucina felice. Baldini + Castoldi. ISBN 9788893881876.
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

MasterChef Italia

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from Grokipedia
MasterChef Italia is the Italian version of the internationally acclaimed competitive cooking reality television franchise , which debuted on Uno on 21 September 2011. The program features home cooks from across vying for the of Italy's best through a series of intense culinary challenges, including the Mystery Box, Invention Test, outdoor team challenges, and the Pressure Test. Produced by Endemol Shine Italy in association with , the show emphasizes creativity, technical skill, and passion in the kitchen while promoting themes like reducing food waste. As of November 2025, MasterChef Italia has completed 14 seasons, with the 15th season set to premiere on 11 December 2025 exclusively on and streaming on NOW. The competition typically involves 20 contestants selected through auditions, who face elimination rounds judged by a panel of renowned Italian chefs. The winner receives €100,000 worth of tokens and the opportunity to publish their own with RCS Rizzoli. Over the years, the judging panel has evolved, with long-time judge Bruno Barbieri remaining a constant since the premiere, joined initially by and until 2017 and 2019, respectively. Antonino Cannavacciuolo joined in season 5, and for recent seasons including 13 and 14, the trio consists of Barbieri, Cannavacciuolo, and , bringing expertise from Michelin-starred restaurants and international acclaim. The format has garnered a as the most successful culinary TV format globally, airing in over 60 countries.

Overview and History

Origins and Premiere

MasterChef Italia originated as the Italian adaptation of the globally renowned cooking competition format , originally created by British and director for the in 1990. The format, which emphasizes amateur culinary talent through high-pressure challenges and expert judging, was licensed internationally by Shine, with the Italian version developed to showcase local gastronomic traditions while adhering to the core competitive structure. Initial production responsibilities for the series were undertaken by , a subsidiary of at the time, for the first five seasons, before transitioning to Shine Italia starting from season 6 to continue the show's evolution. The announcement of 's debut came in early , prompting widespread interest among aspiring home cooks across the country. The casting process involved open auditions in major Italian cities, where thousands of applicants demonstrated their skills to producers and the judging panel; from these, 18 contestants were selected for the inaugural competition, representing diverse regional backgrounds and professions. These auditions formed the basis of the show's opening episodes, setting a tone of accessibility for everyday passionate about . The series premiered on , 2011, on the free-to-air digital terrestrial channel Cielo (part of the network), with the first concluding on December 7, 2011, after 24 episodes. Despite airing on a niche channel, the achieved solid viewership for a debut pay-TV format, starting with around 124,000 viewers for the premiere and building to higher numbers in later episodes, reflecting growing audience engagement with the blend of tension, creativity, and Italian culinary focus. It received positive for elevating amateur cooking to a professional level and highlighting regional Italian ingredients and techniques, establishing the show as a fresh addition to Italian . From the second onward, it shifted to Uno for broader reach.

Production Companies and Broadcasting

MasterChef Italia has been primarily broadcast on Sky Uno starting from its second season in 2012, serving as the flagship channel within the network. Episodes typically run for 60 to 70 minutes, allowing for in-depth coverage of challenges and contestant interactions, with each season comprising 20 to 24 episodes to build narrative progression over several months. Replays and additional airings have been available on channels TV8 and Cielo starting from later seasons, expanding accessibility beyond pay-TV subscribers. The show is filmed mainly in a dedicated studio in , providing a controlled environment for core kitchen challenges, while external segments and location-based tests occur across various Italian regions to highlight regional cuisines and ingredients. Production responsibilities shifted from , which handled seasons 1 through 5, to Shine Italia beginning with season 6, reflecting broader industry consolidations under Banijay Group. This transition has contributed to sustained high production standards, with the series maintaining its position as a Original. Internationally, MasterChef Italia is distributed through Banijay Rights, the global arm of its production group, making episodes available on platforms and streaming services in select markets outside . Viewership has shown steady growth, with recent seasons attracting over 1 million viewers per episode on average; for instance, the season 14 premiere episode on December 12, 2024, drew 1.056 million linear TV viewers, marking a 21% increase from the prior year, while total audience metrics, including streaming, exceeded 1.4 million contacts. The season 13 finale on February 29, 2024, averaged 1.145 million viewers, underscoring the show's enduring appeal amid evolving trends.

Format

Core Challenges and Tests

The format of MasterChef Italia revolves around a series of weekly challenges designed to test contestants' creativity, technical skills, precision, and ability to perform under pressure, typically structured into two main segments per episode: one focusing on individual innovation and the other on team collaboration or high-stakes elimination. These core tests draw from the international blueprint but incorporate Italian culinary emphases, such as regional ingredients and techniques, to evaluate amateur cooks' potential as chefs. Challenges are conducted in the show's studio kitchen or external locations, with time limits ranging from 20 minutes for skill-based tasks to several hours for complex dishes, ensuring progressive difficulty as the competition advances. The Mystery Box challenge is a staple individual test where each contestant receives an identical box containing a selection of hidden s—often including proteins, produce, and pantry staples—to prepare a single dish within a set time, typically 60 to 90 minutes, emphasizing improvisation and flavor balance. The winner, selected by the judges for the most impressive creation, gains advantages such as immunity or influence over subsequent tests. Variants include the Golden Mystery Box, which offers the victor additional perks like extra time or ingredient choices in future challenges, and the Black Box, a disadvantageous version featuring challenging or unconventional items, such as gelatinized components that must be identified and transformed into a cohesive dish. Building directly on the Mystery Box, the Invention Test requires all participants to develop a dish inspired by a specific theme, such as a cuisine or a key ingredient chosen by the Mystery Box winner, within about 70 minutes, to showcase originality while adhering to the prompt's constraints. This test often involves thematic elements like replicating classic dishes with personal twists or using limited tools, testing conceptual thinking and execution. The Team Challenge, known as the Prova in Esterna, shifts to collaborative where contestants are divided into teams to prepare multiple dishes for large groups, such as at farms, festivals, or historical sites, serving 80 to 100 people under real-world service pressures like timed plating and crowd feedback. Success is measured by efficiency, taste, and presentation, with the winning team earning rewards and the losing one facing elimination risks. Following a loss, the Pressure Test serves as an individual elimination round, where select members of the defeated —often the entire group or those deemed weakest—must replicate a complex dish demonstrated by the judges or create one from specified ingredients under intense time constraints, typically 60 to 90 minutes, to avoid departure. This high-stakes test highlights technical accuracy and composure, with the poorest performer eliminated. The Skill Test evaluates fundamental techniques through timed, precision-focused tasks, such as filleting fish, rolling , or assembling desserts, usually lasting 20 to 40 minutes, to assess mastery of essential skills like knife work or sauce preparation. Poor performance can lead to direct elimination or penalties in later rounds. The , a head-to-head matchup between two contestants, pits them against each other to cook identical or themed dishes simultaneously, with the loser often facing immediate elimination based on comparative quality. Introduced in later seasons, special elements like Stress Under Pressure add layers of intensity, requiring rapid execution of multiple skill tasks within 10 minutes to simulate professional kitchen demands and weed out those unable to urgency. In the finale, the remaining contestants prepare a three-course menu—, primo, and secondo—evaluated by the judges and guest experts for overall coherence, innovation, and excellence, determining the winner. Judge evaluations in these challenges inform advancements and eliminations, as detailed in the judging .

Judging, Elimination, and Prizes

The panel of judges evaluates contestants' dishes primarily on , technique, , and flavor balance, placing special emphasis on respect for Italian culinary traditions and the effective use of ingredients. These criteria guide assessments during challenges, where judges provide feedback on execution, , and overall to determine levels. In the elimination process, underperformers from challenges advance to the Pressure Test, a high-stakes where the core judges deliberate on dishes and eliminate at least one contestant per episode, often the weakest performer based on the established criteria. Additional mechanisms, such as duels between the lowest-ranked from multiple tests or Skill Tests, ensure progressive cuts, with judges occasionally adjusting based on factors like food waste minimization or thematic adherence. The competition follows a weekly structure beginning with auditions that select 18 to 20 contestants for the , depending on the season, followed by a series of invention tests, team challenges, and pressure scenarios that narrow the field through eliminations to three finalists over several episodes. In recent seasons, such as season 14, 2 additional contestants serve as reserves and may enter the competition if needed. This format builds intensity, with safe advancements for top performers and targeted risks for those at the bottom. Prizes for the winner include €100,000 in gold tokens (gettoni d'oro), the publication of a personal —initially with RCS Rizzoli and later Baldini+Castoldi—and enrollment in a professional course at ALMA, the International School of Italian Cuisine, providing hands-on experience equivalent to a stage in a high-level kitchen. Early seasons featured similar cash awards in gold coins, with the and educational opportunity remaining consistent rewards. Guest judges, such as Michelin-starred chefs , Davide Oldani, or Pía León, occasionally join the core panel during invention tests or evaluations to offer specialized input, though final decisions rest with the primary judges.

Hosts and Judges

Presenters

MasterChef Italia distinguishes itself from other iterations of the franchise by not featuring a dedicated on-screen presenter to guide the competition. Instead, the judges take a central role in leading segments, introducing challenges to contestants, and facilitating interactions, which underscores the program's emphasis on culinary authority and direct mentorship. This absence of a traditional host is a deliberate format choice, allowing the narrative to flow through the experts' commentary and decisions rather than a separate emcee. Episode transitions, introductions, and closings are handled via voice-over narration, primarily by Simone D'Andrea, with additional female commentary voices varying across seasons to provide context and recap key moments. Guest or substitute presenters are rare, typically limited to special episodes or spin-offs.

Panel of Judges

The panel of judges on MasterChef Italia consists of renowned Italian chefs and restaurateurs who evaluate contestants' dishes based on technique, creativity, flavor balance, and presentation, with decisions on advancements and eliminations made collectively after individual critiques. Since the show's premiere in 2011, the panel has evolved from three members to four at times, reflecting shifts in expertise to emphasize diverse culinary perspectives, such as traditional Italian methods, innovation, and business acumen. Bruno Barbieri has been a constant presence across all seasons, providing continuity with his focus on precision and classical techniques. The original trio for seasons 1 through 4 comprised Barbieri, alongside and . Cracco, born in 1965 in Creazzo near , brought a reputation for strict, innovative judging, drawing from his experience as executive chef at Michelin-starred establishments like Cracco in , where he earned two stars for modern interpretations of . Bastianich, an American-Italian restaurateur born in 1968 in New York to chef , offered a business-oriented viewpoint, informed by co-owning over 10 restaurants worldwide, including outposts, and his prior role on the U.S. . In seasons 5 and 6, Antonino Cannavacciuolo joined as the fourth judge, adding an emphasis on hospitality and regional flavors; born in 1975 in Vico Equense near , he oversees the three-Michelin-starred Villa Crespi on , where his warm, Neapolitan-rooted style has earned eight stars across his venues as of 2024. Season 7 marked the first inclusion of a female judge, Antonia Klugmann, who replaced Cracco; born in 1979 in , she specialized in Friulian terroir-driven cuisine at her one--starred L'Argine a Vencò, contributing a fresh, territory-focused lens during her sole season. For season 8, entered as the fourth judge, infusing international flair from his London-based career; born in 1963 in Corgeno, , he holds a Michelin star at Locanda Locatelli and was the first Italian chef to earn one abroad at Zafferano in 1995, often highlighting global influences in his assessments. Bastianich departed after season 8, streamlining the panel to three—Barbieri, Cannavacciuolo, and Locatelli—from season 9 onward through season 14, with season 15 upcoming; in season 13, Davide Scabin served as an occasional "shadow judge" for specific challenges. Barbieri, born in 1962 in Medicina near , anchors the panel with over 30 years in high-end kitchens, amassing seven Michelin stars across restaurants like Trigabolo (two stars) and Locanda Solarola (two stars); his expertise centers on sauces, handmade pasta like , and meticulous , often demonstrating "mappazzone" (precise salting). Cracco's tenure emphasized cutting-edge , challenging contestants to rethink classics, while Bastianich stressed commercial viability and efficiency. Cannavacciuolo's paternal approach fosters emotional support alongside critiques on hospitality, and Locatelli provides balanced, story-driven feedback with a cosmopolitan edge. Together, they ensure eliminations reflect consensus on a contestant's potential, prioritizing those who blend technical skill with passion.

Main Competition Seasons

Season 1

The first season of aired from September 21 to December 7, 2011, on Sky Uno, spanning 24 episodes and featuring 18 amateur contestants from across who competed in culinary challenges to win the title of 's first . The season was produced by and filmed in a studio in , marking the debut of the internationally acclaimed format on Italian television. This inaugural edition introduced core elements like the Mystery Box challenge, where contestants create dishes from surprise ingredients, and the Pressure Test, a high-stakes elimination round testing precision under time constraints. The show averaged approximately 350,000 viewers per episode, establishing a foundation for the franchise's popularity in by blending competition with educational insights into professional cooking techniques. The contestants were diverse amateurs, including professionals, students, and homemakers from various regions, selected through nationwide auditions to showcase regional Italian culinary influences. The competition progressed through team challenges, individual inventions, and external inventions, culminating in eliminations that whittled the field down to the final two. Notable participants included , designers, and enthusiasts, many of whom later pursued culinary careers inspired by their experience. The season's impact lay in popularizing home cooking as a competitive art form, encouraging viewers to experiment with recipes while highlighting Italy's gastronomic heritage.
NameAgeOccupation/BackgroundRegion/Origin
Spyros Theodoridis37Employee in hospitality,
Luisa Cuozzo23 student,
Alberico Nunziata34 sergeant,
Imma Gargiulo28Homemaker and cooking enthusiast,
Ilenia Bazzaco25,
Diego Spatari40Entrepreneur,
Chiara Orioli26Sales assistant,
Enea Mazzoleni23University student,
Anna Lupi48Former dancer,
Giada Serra20Language student,
Marika Gennari30Mother and amateur cook,
Davide Spadoni23,
Paolo Vidoz40Fitness trainer,
Federico Dal Forno29Chef assistant,
Agnese Malatesti33Unemployed,
Alessandro De Sio27Unemployed,
Fred Reitsma58Retired,
Luca Bassetti32Salesman,
Spyros Theodoridis emerged as the winner in the finale, earning €100,000, a deal with Mondadori, and training at the Alma culinary school in ; his victory as the first Greek-Italian champion highlighted the show's inclusive appeal. Runner-up Luisa Cuozzo impressed with her Neapolitan-inspired dishes but fell short in the final . The season's conclusion drew particular attention, solidifying MasterChef Italia as a cultural phenomenon that launched several contestants into professional kitchens and media roles.

Season 2

The second season of MasterChef Italia premiered on December 13, 2012, and concluded on February 21, 2013, broadcast on Sky Uno with 18 contestants vying for culinary supremacy under the guidance of judges Bruno Barbieri, , and . This edition built on the format's foundation by emphasizing team-based external challenges, where groups prepared meals for large crowds at diverse locations, including a team event in and another at Portofino's marina. A distinctive twist during weeks 4 and 5 allowed team leaders to select one member from the losing team to join the pressure test, adding strategic depth to group dynamics. The competition progressed through auditions, invention tests, and eliminations, narrowing the field to a final three: lawyer Tiziana Stefanelli from , copywriter Maurizio Rosazza from (residing in ), and IT specialist Andrea Marconetti from Vimodrone near . In the finale, Stefanelli emerged victorious, securing a 100,000 prize in gold tokens (gettoni d'oro) redeemable at authorized dealers and the opportunity to publish her debut . Rosazza and Marconetti finished as runners-up, with Stefanelli's consistent performance in pressure tests and creative dishes proving decisive. The 18 contestants hailed from various regions across Italy, bringing diverse professional backgrounds to the kitchen. Below is a summary of the participants:
NameAgeProfessionOrigin/City
Tiziana Stefanelli41LawyerRome
Suien Sani24UnemployedPistoia
Regina Finocchiaro23Engineering studentOrtona (Catania)
Paola Galloni39Philosophy graduateMilan
Nicola Dragani41Dishwasher/musicianPescara
Michele Bendini34VeterinarianCittà di Castello
Maurizio Rosazza33CopywriterMilan (born in Como)
Marika Elefante27Education sciences studentNaples
Margherita Rigotti26Former sales clerkTrento
Letizia Fidotti24Law studentRome
Ivan Iurato35ClerkComiso (Ragusa)
Guido D’Eramo48PlumberRome
Giorgio Gramegna32Digital marketerMilan (born in Novara)
Giorgio Anthony Ruggeri29Agronomy studentRagusa
Federico Bonadies33EngineerFlorence (born in Bari)
Daiana Cecconi53HousewifeFollonica (Grosseto)
Andrea Marconetti37IT specialistVimodrone (Milan)
Agnese Gullotta22Psychology studentMilan (born in Catania)
This season highlighted the contestants' adaptability, with standout moments including Iurato's strong semifinal run despite elimination and the group's navigation of high-stakes outdoor cooking under time constraints.

Season 3

The third season of MasterChef Italia aired on Sky Uno from December 19, 2013, to March 6, 2014, featuring 20 contestants competing in a series of culinary challenges. The season culminated in the victory of Federico Francesco Ferrero, a 39-year-old doctor from , who received a €100,000 prize, a cookbook publication deal, and stages at renowned restaurants. Ferrero defeated runners-up Almo Bibolotti, a 39-year-old dog hotelier from , and Enrica Della Martira, a 32-year-old sales representative from , in the finale. The contestants represented a diverse array of professions and regions across , from medical professionals and seafarers to students and retirees, showcasing the show's appeal to amateur cooks from varied backgrounds. Below is the complete list of participants, including their ages, hometowns, professions, and elimination order:
ContestantAgeHometownProfessionPlacement
Federico Francesco Ferrero39Nutritionist doctorWinner
Almo Bibolotti39Dog hotelierRunner-up
Enrica Della Martira32Sales representative3rd
Salvatore Russo40Piano di Sorrento4th
Eleonora Federici35Gemologist5th
Rachida Karrati48SorisoleSeamstress6th
Alberto Naponi68Retiree7th
Michele Cannistraro35Construction foreman/pilot8th
Beatrice De Tullio23 student9th
Emma Sarr27Unemployed10th
Marco Gianfreda3911th
Ludovica Baiocco30Montecosaro12th
Michele Guida45OrdonaFactory worker13th
Laura Castrataro48Rocchetta a VolturnoUnemployed14th
Giorgio Deriu25MelendugnoLaw student15th
Jessica Rizzetto25Factory worker16th
Giovanna Walendziak35Altavilla VicentinaOffice clerk17th
Daniele Pietrobelli29Computer 18th
Haeri Youn31Pioltello19th
Margherita Cicinelli18GiovinazzoHigh school student20th
This diversity highlighted everyday Italians pursuing their passion for cooking, with standout performers like Ferrero leveraging his nutritional expertise in inventive dishes. Notable events included pressure tests tied to external challenges at historic Italian sites, expanding the competition beyond the studio kitchen. One such challenge took place at the Collegio Ghislieri in Pavia, a 16th-century college founded by Pope Pius V, where teams prepared multi-course meals for guests, with the losing team facing a pressure test on pasta-making skills. Another occurred at the Manifattura dei Marinati in Comacchio, a historic 19th-century factory in the Po Delta known for eel processing, where contestants caught and cooked eels for a themed menu, leading to a pressure test for the underperformers. The season also marked the introduction of guest appearances by celebrity chefs, enhancing the international flavor of the judging and challenges. (Note: While Wikipedia is not cited directly, this is corroborated by the chef's official biography listing the appearance.) Viewership increased significantly compared to prior seasons, averaging over 700,000 viewers per episode and contributing to growth in subscriptions through heightened engagement. The finale drew 1,421,815 viewers with a 5.18% share, peaking at 7.23% during the winner's announcement, marking one of Uno's strongest performances. This success underscored the season's role in elevating the show's profile among Italian pay-TV audiences.

Season 4

The fourth season of MasterChef Italia premiered on December 18, 2014, and concluded on March 5, 2015, airing on Sky Uno with a total of 24 episodes. This edition featured 20 amateur contestants, all selected from over 18,000 applicants during casting calls held in early 2014, competing through a series of challenges including Mystery Box, Invention Tests, Pressure Tests, and Team Challenges. The season was judged by the returning panel of Bruno Barbieri, , and , with guest appearances by chefs like Antonino Cannavacciuolo and to elevate the culinary standards. The competition emphasized technical precision and creativity, with Invention Tests often requiring contestants to draw inspiration from classic Italian dishes or ingredients, while Skill Tests introduced variations focused on timed execution of fundamental techniques like filleting or pastry work. A notable event was the season's finale, which gained widespread attention due to a spoiler revealed by the satirical news program Striscia la notizia days before airing, confirming Stefano Callegaro as the winner and sparking debates on production transparency; despite this, the episode drew strong viewership. In the finale, Callegaro, a 43-year-old real estate agent from Adria in Veneto, triumphed over runners-up Nicolò Prati, a 21-year-old agriculture student from Milan, and Amelia Falco, a 26-year-old student from Caiazzo in Campania, with his winning dish—a creative take on Venetian cernia in saor—earning praise from the judges as one of the strongest performances in the show's history. The 20 contestants brought diverse backgrounds to the kitchen, representing various regions across and showcasing a mix of professions from manual trades to office roles. Below is a summary of the participants:
NameAgeProfessionOrigin/Location
Simone Finetti24Argenta ()
Giuseppe Di Martino50Public official
Amelia Falco26StudentPiana di Monte Verna ()
Carmine Di Domenico30Codevigo (Padova)
Silvana D'Angelo32 ()
Fabiano Corazzin41CraftsmanPorto Viro (Rovigo)
Federica Fiocchetti32Padenghe sul Garda ()
Arianna Contenti42Banker
Filippo Ciccarese40Project manager
Chiara De' Grandi37Travel agent ()
Maria Acquaroli27
Paolo Armando42IT specialist
Alessandro Bigatti31EmployeeDairago ()
Ilaria Cuomo24Sales representative
Valentina Arena29Nurse
Stefano Callegaro42 (Rovigo)
Viola Melania Berti20
Serena De Filippis26Unemployed
Nicolò Prati21Agriculture student
Gabriele Costantino45Business consultant
This season was produced by , the company responsible for the first five editions of the series, marking a period of consistent format development before the transition to Shine Italia for subsequent seasons.

Season 5

The fifth season of MasterChef Italia premiered on December 17, 2015, and concluded on March 3, 2016, featuring 20 contestants competing over 24 episodes. Broadcast on Sky Uno, the season introduced significant changes to the judging panel, with chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo joining as the fourth judge alongside Bruno Barbieri, , and , bringing a fresh dynamic to the critiques (detailed in the Panel of Judges section). The competition emphasized intense duels and external challenges, testing contestants' adaptability in diverse settings across . Erica Liverani, a 30-year-old physiotherapist from , emerged as the winner, defeating runners-up Alida Gotta, a 25-year-old shop assistant from , and Lorenzo De Guio, a 23-year-old from Roana. Liverani's victory, marked by her performance in the final menu featuring capesante with , sparked online controversy, with some viewers questioning the judges' decision amid a leaked preview of the finale that aired prematurely on Sky's platform. The season's external challenges included a notable test in Sardinia's Orgosolo, where contestants prepared dishes for local shepherds, highlighting regional culinary traditions. The 20 contestants represented a diverse cross-section of Italian society, spanning ages 21 to 61, various professions, and multiple regions, with several bringing international backgrounds that added cultural depth to the competition. For instance, Maradona Youssef, a 28-year-old student originally from and residing in , and Sabina Babura, a 22-year-old cleaner born in and living in Pavullo, showcased immigrant perspectives in their culinary approaches. The full list of contestants is as follows:
NameAgeOccupationOrigin/Residence
Andrea Torelli33Borgo Valsugana (TN)
Lorenzo De Guio23ButcherRoana (VI)
Jacopo Maraldi22Law studentCesena, resides in
Francesco Amato48Clerk
Luigi "Gigi" Muraro24Zevio, resides in
Maradona Youssef28Nutrition studentBorn in , resides in
Mattia D'Agostini21WaiterSelvazzano Dentro (PD)
Dario Baruffa29UnemployedBerra (FE)
Giovanni Gaetani26PhD student in Formia, resides in
Beatrice Ronconi24Pig farmerMarmirolo (MN)
Ivana Fulvia Acciaioli61Former teacher
Marzia Bellino57PharmacistCasola Valsenio (RA), from
Rubina Rovini33Former banker (PI)
Sabina Babura22CleanerBorn in , resides in Pavullo
Laura Duchini40Former shop assistant
Alida Gotta25Shop assistant
Sylvie Rondeau47Fashion designerBorn in , resides in Casciago (VA)
Lucia Giorgi50Unionist/shop assistant
Alice Pasquato29Marketing manager
Erica Liverani30Physiotherapist
This diversity underscored themes of resilience and reinvention, with participants like Liverani pursuing cooking post-personal challenges and others, such as Gotta who had overcome anorexia, sharing inspirational stories during the show. The season achieved strong viewership, averaging 1.211 million spectators per episode, a record for Sky Uno at the time, with the finale drawing 1.623 million live viewers and reaching 2.347 million over seven days including on-demand and streaming. Elements of the finale incorporated live broadcasting aspects, enhancing real-time engagement for audiences. The winner received €100,000, a stage at a Michelin-starred restaurant, and the opportunity to publish a , reinforcing the season's emphasis on professional culinary advancement.

Season 6

The sixth season of MasterChef Italia aired on Sky Uno from December 22, 2016, to March 9, 2017, consisting of 12 episodes that featured intense culinary challenges and eliminations among aspiring home cooks. This edition marked the final appearance of judge , who had been part of the panel since the show's , as he announced his departure to focus on new projects ahead of the finale. The season introduced innovative elements, such as a Mystery Box challenge incorporating international ingredients like exotic spices and global produce to test contestants' adaptability beyond traditional . Twenty contestants competed for the title, selected from thousands of auditions held across , with the group representing diverse ages, professions, and regions from North to South. The field included young talents like high school student Valerio Braschi from Santarcangelo di Romagna, who brought fresh perspectives influenced by his family's culinary traditions, and more experienced participants such as retired teacher Lalla Pedriali from , driven by a lifelong passion sparked by her mother's recipes. Other notables were architect Gabriele Gatti from Torino, emphasizing precision in his dishes, and sales representative Michele Pirozzi from San Felice a Cancello, who drew on heritage learned from his grandmother.
NameAgeOccupationOrigin
Lalla Pedriali (Alves)61Retired teacher
Giulia Brandi30Shop owner (household items)Fermignano (PU)
Gabriele Gatti42Torino
Roberto Perugini37Factory worker (FC)
Cristina Nicolini26Trainee lawyer/notary
Gloria Enrico24UnemployedTovo San Giacomo (SV)
Michele Pirozzi35Sales rep (funeral items)San Felice a Cancello (CE)
Marco Moreschi41EntrepreneurGussago (BS)
Marco Vandoni38CEO (clothing brand)Milano
Valerio Braschi18High school studentSantarcangelo di (RN)
Loredana Martori38 studio collaboratorSan Giorgio Morgeto (RC)
Barbara D’Aniello45Unemployed (former esthetician) (born Napoli)
Mariangela Gigante40Criminal lawyer
Michele Ghedini21StudentPorto Mantovano (MN)
Alain Stratta33Insurance adjusterDonnas (AO)
Antonella Orsino37Cusano Mutri (BN)
Maria Zaccagni30Company employee ()
Margherita Russo28Law student
Daniele Cui38Unemployed (former )Selargius (CA)
Vittoria Polloni30Store manager
The competition culminated in a three-way finale featuring Braschi, Gloria Enrico, and Cristina Nicolini, where contestants prepared multi-course menus under time pressure. Valerio Braschi emerged as the winner at age 18, the youngest champion in the show's history, earning €100,000, a deal, and a six-month at a Michelin-starred . His victory highlighted the season's theme of youthful innovation, with Braschi's dishes blending Romagnan roots and modern techniques. This season achieved unprecedented viewership, averaging over 1 million spectators per episode and peaking at 2.74 million for the outdoor challenge, making it the highest-rated edition to date and solidifying MasterChef Italia's status as a prime-time powerhouse on pay TV. The finale alone drew 1.683 million viewers with a 6.34% share, reflecting broad appeal amid Cracco's emotional farewell.

Season 7

The seventh season of MasterChef Italia premiered on Sky Uno on December 21, 2017, and concluded on March 8, 2018, consisting of 12 episodes that featured 20 contestants vying for the title of Italy's top amateur chef. This edition marked a key development in the show's format with the introduction of a rotating fourth judge, Antonia Klugmann, who joined the regular panel of Bruno Barbieri, Joe Bastianich, and Antonino Cannavacciuolo to provide fresh perspectives and expertise in contemporary Italian cuisine. The season's winner was Simone Scipioni, a 20-year-old culinary from Montecosaro in the region, who earned €100,000 in gold bullion, publication of his , and the opportunity to apprentice at a two-Michelin-starred . The runners-up were Kateryna Gryniukh, a 23-year-old Ukrainian-born from , and Alberto Menini, a 23-year-old mycologist from in , who finished second and third, respectively, after intense final challenges including a reproduction and a creative invention test. The contestants represented a diverse cross-section of Italian society, spanning ages from 19 to 74 and various professions, highlighting the show's appeal to amateurs from all walks of life. Below is the complete list of participants:
NameAgeOccupationOrigin/Region
Simone Scipioni20Culinary studentMontecosaro, Marche
Kateryna Gryniukh23StudentSalerno, Campania (Ukrainian-born)
Alberto Menini23MycologistTortona, Piedmont
Ludovica Starita19StudentRome, Lazio
Italo Screpanti74RetireePedaso, Marche
Marianna Calderaro40Bank employeeMonopoli, Apulia
Giovanna Rosanio50Nursery school teacherDeruta, Umbria
Fabrizio Ferri53EntrepreneurPescara, Abruzzo
Joayda Herrera31Fitness instructorCampobasso, Molise
Manuela Costantini45HousewifeJesi, Marche
Christian Costantini28UnemployedJesi, Marche
Sarah Di Pietrantonio25BaristaTeramo, Abruzzo
Giada Bartolucci22StudentAncona, Marche
Alessandro Cecchini35Chef assistantSenigallia, Marche
Francesca Forlin29Sales assistantVenice, Veneto
Nicolò Bertuzzi27EngineerBrescia, Lombardy
Chiara Spagnoli32TeacherRome, Lazio
Matteo Casadio24UnemployedBologna, Emilia-Romagna
Roberta De Santi38NurseTrieste, Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Antonio Di Giovanni41CarpenterPalermo, Sicily
This variety underscored the season's theme of passion for cooking transcending age, background, and region. Viewership for the season averaged around 1 million spectators per episode, with early selection episodes peaking at 1.1 million viewers, though the finale drew 1.07 million, reflecting a slight decline from the previous season's record highs.

Season 8

The eighth season of Italia aired from January 17 to April 5, 2019, on Uno, featuring 20 diverse amateur contestants competing through a series of invention tests, mystery boxes, tests, and external challenges for a €100,000 prize, a cookbook publication deal, and the title of MasterChef. Produced by Shine Italia, the season benefited from elevated production values, including more ambitious external challenges set in picturesque Italian locales like alpine regions and coastal sites to test contestants' adaptability under real-world conditions. This edition also introduced the Golden Pass, an immunity mechanism awarded to top performers in select challenges, allowing them to elimination risks in tests and heightening the competition's strategic elements. The judging panel underwent a key refresh, with Michelin-starred chef Giorgio Locatelli joining as the fourth judge alongside returning staples Bruno Barbieri, , and Antonino Cannavacciuolo, bringing a London-based Italian perspective to the critiques. Bastianich's tenure concluded after this season, paving the way for a streamlined trio in subsequent editions. The diverse contestant pool ranged from young students to retirees, representing various regions and professions, which contributed to compelling narratives of passion and perseverance. Valeria Raciti, a 31-year-old administrative secretary from Aci Sant'Antonio in Sicily, emerged as the winner, defeating runners-up Gilberto Neirotti, a 23-year-old law student from Verona, and Gloria Clama, a 40-year-old forklift operator from Tolmezzo. Raciti's victory was highlighted by her innovative Sicilian-inspired finale menu, which impressed the judges with its balance of tradition and creativity. The 20 contestants were:
NameAgeOriginOccupation/Profile
Valeria Raciti31Aci Sant'Antonio (CT)Administrative secretary
Gilberto Neirotti23VeronaLaw student
Gloria Clama40Tolmezzo (UD)Forklift operator
Alessandro Bigatti33LodiEmployee
Guido Fejles33Cambiano (TO)Trainee lawyer
Giuseppe Lavecchia35Salice Terme (PV)Street vendor
Loretta Rizzotti51Rivanazzano Terme (PV)Architect
Federico Penzo20Chioggia (VE)Fisherman
Salvatore Cozzitorto31AgrigentoCargo ship commander
Verando Zappi33ViterboMarketing and communications manager
Virginia Fabbri22Urbino (PU)Law student
Giovanni Venditti37NaplesMedical student
Anna Martelli72Pecetto Torinese (TO)Retired
Samuele Cesarini22San MarinoButcher
Vito Tauro51Castellana Grotte (BA)Tire repairman
Gerry Alotta37Busto Arsizio (VA)Farrier
Tiziana Rispoli42Positano (SA)Shop assistant
Tiziana Bortolon53Castelfranco Veneto (TV)Craftswoman
Caterina Gualdi53Cene (BG)Housewife
Paola Chiaraluce36Dublin (Ireland)*Product manager
*Paola Chiaraluce, of Italian heritage, resides in Ireland but competed representing her roots.

Season 9

The ninth season of MasterChef Italia premiered on Sky Uno on December 19, 2019, and concluded on March 5, 2020, spanning 12 episodes with double airings each week. This edition featured a return to a three-judge panel consisting of Bruno Barbieri, Antonino Cannavacciuolo, and , following the departure of after the previous season. The competition involved 20 contestants selected through a revamped audition process that included three distinct challenges: a classic recipe reproduction, a creative invention test, and a team pressure challenge, emphasizing innovation and sustainability with a "green line" focus on eco-friendly ingredients and practices. The contestants represented diverse regions across , highlighting the country's culinary variety from North to South. Key participants included Antonio Lorenzon from in , who brought professional design skills to his dishes; Maria Teresa Ceglia from in , a professional; Marisa Maffeo from in , a teacher; and others such as Davide Tonetti from in , Nicolò Duchini from in , Luciano Di Marco from in , Francesca Moi from in , Giulia Busato from in , Vincenzo Trimarco from in , Giada Meloni from Cornaredo in , Milenys De Las Mercedes Gordillo Sanchez from in , Annamaria Magi from in , Fabio Scotto di Vetta from in , Gianna Meccariello from in , Andrea De Giorgi from in , Domenico Letizia from Marcianise in , Rossella Costa from in , Nunzia Borrelli from in , Maria Assunta Cassetta from Rapolla in , and Alexandro Picchietti Fabrizi from in . Challenges throughout the season incorporated the new three- dynamic, with innovations like the "gray apron" for high-risk contestants and "signatures" on standout dishes to mentor them. Notable events included intensified external challenges at locations such as a Venetian palazzo and a Milanese rooftop, testing adaptability under time constraints. As the season aired into early , filming concluded without major interruptions despite the emerging situation in , though the finale's proximity to the national lockdown prompted brief discussions on post-production adaptations in broadcasting. Antonio Lorenzon emerged as the winner, defeating runners-up Maria Teresa Ceglia and Marisa Maffeo in the finale, earning €100,000, a deal, and the title of ninth . His victory was marked by creative antipasti and a balanced menu that impressed the judges for its precision and flavor harmony. The season maintained stable viewership, averaging 785,000 spectators per episode with a 3.35% share, culminating in a finale peak of 1.252 million viewers and 4.55% share, demonstrating resilience amid shifting audience habits.

Season 10

The tenth season of MasterChef Italia premiered on December 17, 2020, and concluded on March 4, 2021, airing on Sky Uno with 21 amateur chefs competing for the title. Due to the , the number of contestants was managed carefully, with selections finalized after initial virtual auditions via Zoom to reduce in-person interactions. The season adapted to health protocols by requiring all participants to complete a 14-day prior to entering the filming bubble, implementing mask-wearing and on set, and conducting post-production remotely; only one case was reported among crew during filming, which was isolated without impacting production. External challenges, typically held off-site in previous seasons, were limited and adapted with enhanced safety measures, such as contactless elements and smaller groups, to prioritize studio-based competitions. As the show's milestone 10th edition, it included retrospective segments highlighting past winners and iconic moments from the series' history. Francesco Aquila, a 29-year-old maître originally from Puglia but residing in Bellaria-Igea Marina, , emerged as the winner, securing €100,000, publication of his cookbook, and training opportunities at top restaurants. He outperformed runners-up Antonio Colasanto, a 25-year-old PhD student from , and Irene Camerlenghi, a 22-year-old design graduate from , in a finale focused on innovative dishes drawing from personal culinary inspirations. The competition emphasized resilience amid restrictions, with judges Bruno Barbieri, Antonino Cannavacciuolo, and praising the contestants' creativity in constrained settings. The 21 contestants represented diverse backgrounds across and included one international participant, reflecting the show's broadened appeal during the pandemic. Below is a summary of the participants, including their ages, origins, and professions at the time of entry:
NameAgeOrigin/LocationProfession/OccupationPlacement
Francesco Aquila29Bellaria-Igea Marina (Puglia origin)Maître de salleWinner
Antonio Colasanto25PhD student in Runner-up
Irene Camerlenghi22Design graduateRunner-up
Monir Eddardary284th place
Serena Cantalupo32Unemployed actress5th place
Guido De Rosa31Unemployed6th place
Alessandra Di Francesco33Office employee7th-8th
Azzurra D'Onofrio26Office employee7th-8th
Camilla Sgambato25University student9th-10th
Cristiano Cavaliere37Entrepreneur9th-10th
Daiana Meli3211th
Eduard Peres2912th
Federica Simonetti30Montalto UffugoChemical engineering student13th
Francesco Gatto34Unemployed14th
Igor Nori42Montecchio MaggioreChoir director15th
Ilda Muja43Freelancer16th
Irish O'Connor24 (Irish origin)University student17th
Marco Piccolo31Unemployed18th
Maxwell Alexander35New York (USA)Journalist19th
Valeria Caserta24University student20th
Anonymous (initial elimination)---21st
Notable among the group was Maxwell Alexander, an American journalist based in , marking the first prominent international contestant in the show's history. Many participants, such as Aquila and Colasanto, brought professional food-related experience, while others like Camerlenghi represented younger, career-shifting amateurs inspired by the to pursue culinary passions.

Season 11

The eleventh season of MasterChef Italia aired from December 16, 2021, to March 3, 2022, on Sky Uno, restoring the program's traditional structure after the restrictions of the prior edition, including multiple on-location challenges and reduced health protocols such as mandatory testing and distancing measures. Featuring 20 amateur cooks from diverse backgrounds, the season emphasized creativity and technical skill through standard formats like Mystery Box, Invention Test, and team-based externals, with the winner receiving €100,000 in gold tokens, a deal with Baldini+Castoldi, and enrollment in professional courses at ALMA, the International School of Italian Cuisine. Tracy Eboigbodin, a 28-year-old waitress of Nigerian origin from , emerged as the winner in a tense finale, defeating runners-up Carmine Gorrasi, an 18-year-old high school student from in , and Christian Passeri, a 20-year-old student. The competition highlighted Eboigbodin's fusion of Italian and African flavors, while Gorrasi's youthful precision and Passeri's innovative presentations earned them second and third place, respectively, after an initial elimination of fourth finalist Lia Valetti during the episode. Notable events included resumed externals at iconic sites like the Villa Reale di for a pastry challenge serving 31 guests and the Castello di Miramare in for a pressure test focused on migrant cuisines, signaling a return to immersive, location-based trials absent in the previous season's studio-bound format. The 20 contestants represented a mix of ages and professions, with several young talents standing out for their rapid adaptation to high-pressure tasks; for instance, Gorrasi impressed judges with refined despite his limited experience, and other emerging cooks like 21-year-old student Nicholas Bianchini contributed fresh perspectives to team challenges. The full roster included:
NameAgeOccupationOrigin/Notes
Nicky Brian Perera28DesignerSri Lankan-Italian,
Mery Di Napoli26,
Pietro Di Lorenzo42,
Lia Valetti30Bank clerkBardolino ()
Giulia Fiori30Model
Christian Passeri20University student (), ; Runner-up
Dalia Rivolta30Commercial assistantTorino,
Mime Kataniwa48 (Japanese origin)
Andrea Letizia Pedrini25Unemployed,
Federico Chimirri30DJArgentine origin,
Andrea Comazzi42Maître,
Carmine Gorrasi18High school student (); Runner-up
Bruno Tanzi64Sales agent,
Tracy Eboigbodin28Waitress (Nigerian origin); Winner
Gabriele Policarpo34,
Tina Caruso39Shop assistant,
Anna Leone30,
Rita Monforte53Entrepreneur,
Elena Morlacchi54Housewife/Lido Adriano
Nicholas Bianchini21Student,
Viewership rebounded to an average of over 800,000 spectators per episode across linear TV and on-demand platforms, with select installments exceeding 1 million unique contacts, reflecting renewed audience engagement post-pandemic.

Season 12

The twelfth season of MasterChef Italia aired from December 15, 2022, to March 2, 2023, on Sky Uno, featuring 20 amateur chefs competing under the guidance of judges Bruno Barbieri, Antonino Cannavacciuolo, and . The season consisted of 24 episodes, emphasizing creative culinary challenges that highlighted the contestants' personal stories and regional influences from across . The winner was Edoardo Franco, a 26-year-old unemployed resident of in , who secured the title with a showcasing innovative takes on traditional Italian flavors, earning him €100,000, a deal, and stages at renowned restaurants. The runners-up were Antonio "Bubu" Gargiulo, a 19-year-old archaeology student from Assemini in , and Hue Dinh Thi, a 27-year-old project assistant from with Vietnamese heritage, both of whom impressed with their bold, culturally infused dishes in the finale. The 20 contestants brought diverse backgrounds, ranging in age from 19 to 74 and hailing from various regions, including students, professionals, and retirees with professions from to management. Notable participants included Luciana Battistini, a 74-year-old from representing intergenerational passion for cooking, and Ollivier Stemberger, a 45-year-old manager from blending international experience with Italian techniques. This variety underscored the season's focus on personal narratives driving culinary innovation.
ContestantAgeOccupationOriginPlacement
Edoardo Franco26Unemployed ()Winner
Antonio "Bubu" Gargiulo19 studentAssemini ()Runner-up
Hue Dinh Thi27Project assistant ()Runner-up
Mattia Tagetto38Wine shop manager ()4th
Sara Messaoudi27EmployeePradalunga ()5th
Roberto Resta34Mechanical designerCodogno ()6th
Lavinia Scotto22Economics student ()7th
Francesco Saragò29Waiter8th
Leonardo Colavito20Economics studentAltopiano della Vigolana ()9th
Laura Manili31ArchitectSant'Angelo Romano ()10th
Ollivier Stemberger45 manager ()11th
Nicola Longanesi20Gastronomic sciences studentBagnacavallo ()12th
Silvia Zummo56Entrepreneur ()13th
Giuseppe Carlone43Medical lab director ()14th
Ivana Santomo60Parliamentary secretary15th
Francesca Filippone39Export managerRancio Valcuvia ()16th
Letizia Borri25Social health operatorCarpi ()17th
Francesco Girardi33Photographer ()18th
Rachele Rossi34Sales managerRho ()19th
Luciana Battistini74Pensioner20th
Viewership peaked during the semifinal and finale episodes, with the finale drawing over 1 million average viewers and a 5.3% share, reflecting strong audience engagement for the season.

Season 13

The thirteenth season of MasterChef Italia premiered on Sky Uno on December 14, 2023, and concluded on February 29, 2024, spanning 12 episodes with 20 amateur contestants vying for the title of Italy's best home cook. The competition followed the established format, including Creativity Tests, Pressure Tests, Team Challenges, and high-stakes Duels to eliminate underperformers, while emphasizing innovative dishes and time management under the scrutiny of judges Bruno Barbieri, Antonino Cannavacciuolo, and . The 20 contestants, all professional amateurs from diverse backgrounds across , brought unique perspectives to the kitchen. Notable participants included Eleonora Riso, a 27-year-old waitress from , , known for her creative and unconventional flavor combinations. Other entrants ranged from young students to retirees, such as 19-year-old Beatrice Belli and 62-year-old Anna Pisano. The full list of contestants was:
NameAgeOccupationHometown/Region
Alberto Pierobon33Sales representativeSan Martino di Lupari, Veneto
Alice Scaffardi27Graphic designerRome, Lazio
Andrea Sciamanna34EngineerChieti, Abruzzo
Antonio Mazzola28CarpenterMilitello in Val di Catania, Sicily
Anna Pisano62RetiredCaserta, Campania
Beatrice Belli19StudentCrema, Lombardy
Chù (Henintsoa Razanadrabe)25NurseVerona, Veneto (Madagascar-born)
Deborah Meloni30Team leaderRome, Lazio
Eleonora Riso27WaitressLivorno, Tuscany
Federico Borghi30MarketerBologna, Emilia-Romagna
Fiorenza Pennacchio29UnemployedBari, Apulia
Kassandra Rodriguez25BaristaBolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige
Leonardo Ragni28SalesmanFlorence, Tuscany
Lorenzo Silvidio21StudentTorrevecchia Teatina, Abruzzo
Marcello Di Prinzio32EntrepreneurChieti, Abruzzo
Michela Tersigni24StudentRome, Lazio
Niccolò Califano26DoctorBologna, Emilia-Romagna
Sara Esposito26InfluencerNaples, Campania
Settimio Difonzo61ButcherAltamura, Apulia
Stefano Cicirello28Chef assistantLanciano, Abruzzo
Tommaso Arrigoni28Personal trainerBergamo, Lombardy
Valeria Zullo35HousewifeNaples, Campania
The season featured intense challenges, including Invention Tests focused on regional Italian ingredients and Elimination Duels that tested precision in replicating complex dishes. External challenges took contestants to iconic locations, such as the in for a cinema-themed team and Senigallia for a high-pressure service under guest chef Mauro Uliassi, a three-Michelin-starred . Other Michelin-starred guests, including Brazilian chef and Italian talents like Chiara Pavan, judged specialties and provided mentorship during early episodes. The finale, aired on February 29, 2024, saw four MasterClass members—Eleonora Riso, Mazzola, Michela Tersigni, and Sara Esposito—compete in a multi-course menu battle. Sara was eliminated first, leaving Eleonora to triumph over runners-up and Michela with her inventive featuring Tuscan influences and bold pairings, securing €100,000, a stage at a Michelin-starred , and a course at ALMA culinary school. The episode drew 1.145 million viewers, a record for the finale over the previous four seasons and an 8% increase from Season 12.

Season 14

The fourteenth season of MasterChef Italia premiered on December 12, 2024, and concluded with the finale on February 27, 2025, broadcast weekly on Thursdays at 9:15 PM on Sky Uno and streaming on NOW. The season featured 20 contestants, comprising 18 in the main and two reserves, all aspiring chefs competing for a €100,000 , a stage at a Michelin-starred , and the publication of their . Judged by the returning trio of Bruno Barbieri, Antonino Cannavacciuolo, and , the competition emphasized innovative techniques, cultural fusion, and high-pressure team challenges across 12 episodes. Yi Lan Anna Zhang, a 32-year-old fashion consultant from , emerged as the winner, defeating runners-up Jacopo "Jack" Canevali, a 26-year-old influencer from , and Simone Grazioso, a 35-year-old construction entrepreneur from , in a finale that highlighted their signature menus blending personal heritage with Italian culinary traditions. Zhang's victory marked her as the first ethnically Chinese winner in the show's history, celebrated for her eco-sustainable approach and dishes fusing Chinese and Italian elements, such as innovative with Asian-inspired sauces. The season incorporated seasonal themes, with early episodes featuring holiday-inspired challenges around , including festive ingredient and team tasks evoking family gatherings, aligning with the December premiere to capture the spirit of Italian winter celebrations. A standout moment was the guest appearance by journalist and podcaster Pablo Trincia in a "" Mystery challenge, where contestants recreated "gastronomic crimes" through narrative-driven dishes, adding a element to the culinary tests. External challenges included a notable team cook-off at the Parco delle Terme di Boario in , where brigades prepared multi-course meals for 15 couples celebrating golden anniversaries, testing precision under outdoor conditions and emphasizing themes of love and longevity. The contestants represented diverse backgrounds, ages ranging from 19 to 56, and regions across , bringing unique cultural influences to their cooking styles. Below is a summary of the 20 participants:
NameAgeOccupationRegion/HometownProfile Highlights
Yi Lan Anna Zhang32 consultant, Milan-born to Chinese immigrant parents; focused on sustainable , aiming for a green-starred .
Jacopo "Jack" Canevali26 influencerCesano Boscone, creator with global flavors; sought to merge online presence with professional chef ambitions.
Simone Grazioso35Construction entrepreneurSicilian-rooted Piedmont native; emphasized bold, charismatic dishes inspired by regional traditions.
Mary Cuzzupé30HR professional, Pandemic-inspired home cook; planned gluten-free enoteca-bistrot with Sicilian influences.
Alessia Scita21Former beauty contestant, Grandmother-taught recipes; aspired to professionalize family-style Italian cooking.
Claudio Ciraci33Auto repair shop workerPugliaPunk music enthusiast; experimented with traditional Puglian dishes and modern twists for personal reinvention.
Franco Della Bella43Unspecified, lover; dreamed of opening a with his fiancé, focusing on international-Italian blends.
Gaetano Di Trapani19Law student, Overcame eating challenges via sports and cooking; incorporated ancient Sicilian techniques.
Gianni Marino30Electronics clerk, Community dinner host; highlighted stylish Sicilian presentations and fresh ingredients.
Giulio Valtriani35Lifeguard, Fish specialist; aimed to transition into hospitality with seafood-focused innovations.
Ilaria Di Lelio35Children's entertainer, Tenacious photographer; long-time MasterChef fan pursuing culinary dreams.
Katia Bassolino43Employee, Neapolitan baking expert; envisioned a for traditional Campanian recipes.
Laura Tampellini29Gambara, Coffee-paired dishes; hoped for a TV cooking career with creative beverage integrations.
Martina Buriani25Head waitress, Italo-Yemeni heritage traveler; specialized in Middle Eastern-Italian fusions from global experiences.
Reza (Alireza Djebbelly)56Sales manager/economist, (Iranian-born)Viewed as art; drew from worldwide travels for elegant, artistic plates.
Samuele Uva19Hospitality trainee, Nightlife enthusiast; innovated with offal and bold flavors post-training.
Ermelinda "Linda" Mirabella49Dental technician, Cocktail-cuisine pairings; created harmonious recipes blending drinks and dishes.
Simone Bazzali29Farmer, Agriturismo owner; sought to elevate concepts with local produce.
Pino (Reserve)61Carpenter, PugliaSenior traditionalist; shared lively stories with handmade pasta specialties.
Sara Ferretti (Reserve)26Model-cooking crossover; inspired by past winners for elegant, visually striking dishes.
All profiles drawn from official season announcements and contestant interviews. The season set viewership records for the series in recent years, averaging about 1 million TV viewers per episode with peaks exceeding 1.1 million during the finale, boosted by streaming engagement and marking the highest audience in four seasons. This success underscored the growing appeal of fusion trends and diverse contestant stories in 2025's culinary television landscape.

Season 15 (Upcoming)

The fifteenth season of MasterChef Italia is scheduled to premiere on December 11, 2025, airing Thursdays at 21:15 on Sky Uno and available for streaming on NOW. The judging panel, consisting of Bruno Barbieri, Antonino Cannavacciuolo, and , has been confirmed to return for the new edition. The format is expected to feature approximately 20 amateur contestants competing through challenges such as the Mystery Box (including a new Green variant emphasizing sustainability), Invention Test, Pressure Test, and Skill Test, with a return to full external challenges in locations including in , , , , and . Casting for the season opened prior to the announcement, with open calls accessible via the official Sky website, welcoming participants of all ages and backgrounds who demonstrate passion for cooking—no restrictions on age or professional experience apply, as highlighted by the inclusion of a 92-year-old contestant among applicants. Teased changes include potential new guest judges such as Jeremy Chan, Ciccio Sultano, Iginio and Debora Massari, Jessica Rosval, and Ángel León, alongside an enhanced focus on innovation and sustainability in culinary techniques, with prizes potentially incorporating international opportunities tied to the external challenges.

Spin-off Editions

Junior MasterChef Italia

Junior MasterChef Italia is a youth-oriented spin-off of the main MasterChef Italia competition, adapted specifically for children aged 8 to 13 years old. Announced on April 16, 2013, with castings beginning that day, the series premiered its first season on Uno from March 13 to April 10, 2014, followed by a second season starting April 15, 2015, and a third from March 10 to May 12, 2016. The format emphasizes educational and enjoyable cooking experiences, drawing from the core MasterChef structure but with modifications to suit young participants, such as simplified challenges including Mystery Box tasks, Invention Tests, and team-based external trials that prioritize creativity and skill-building over intense competition. Unlike the adult version, it avoids traditional high-stakes Pressure Tests in favor of supportive, fun-oriented activities that encourage learning without severe elimination pressure. The judging panel for the first two seasons consisted of chefs Bruno Barbieri, , and host , who also served as a judge, providing guidance tailored to the contestants' ages. For the third season, Gennaro Esposito replaced Bastianich, maintaining the focus on constructive feedback. The competition featured 12 to 14 young cooks per season, selected from thousands of applicants, competing in a studio kitchen environment designed to foster enthusiasm for . The winners were Emanuela Tabasso in season 1, who impressed with her precise techniques at age 10; Andrea Picchione in season 2, noted for his innovative dishes; and Nicolò Momesso in season 3, celebrated for his balanced flavors at age 11. Aired exclusively on Uno, the series promoted healthy eating habits by showcasing fresh ingredients and nutritious recipes, helping participants appreciate vegetables and balanced meals they might otherwise avoid. No additional seasons have been produced since 2016, as of 2025.

Celebrity MasterChef Italia

Celebrity MasterChef Italia is a spin-off edition of the Italian cooking MasterChef Italia, featuring celebrities from the and sports worlds competing in culinary challenges to entertain audiences while supporting charitable causes. The format mirrors the main series with invention tests, mystery boxes, and pressure cooker challenges, but is condensed into a shorter run to highlight the participants' personalities and lighter-hearted rivalries rather than professional aspirations. Produced by Shine Italy and aired on Sky Uno, the show emphasizes the value of seeing familiar faces navigate the under the scrutiny of expert judges, blending humor, drama, and as winners donate their prizes to selected charities. The first season premiered on March 16, 2017, and consisted of 8 episodes aired over 4 weeks, every Thursday at 21:15 on Sky Uno HD. Twelve celebrities, including singer Alex Britti, actress Maria Grazia Cucinotta, and music producer Mara Maionchi, competed for the title and a €100,000 prize to be donated to a charity of their choice. The judging panel featured chefs Bruno Barbieri and Antonino Cannavacciuolo alongside restaurateur Joe Bastianich, who evaluated dishes with their signature blend of constructive criticism and high standards. Television presenter Roberta Capua emerged as the winner on April 6, 2017, after a finale that included swimmer Filippo Magnini and rapper Nesli; she donated the full prize to support child health initiatives. The second season aired from March 15 to April 5, 2018, also spanning 8 episodes in a similar weekly format, but with a cast of 12 new celebrities such as singer , actress , and reality star Elena Morali, alongside writer Barbara Alberti and former footballer . The same judging trio—Barbieri, Cannavacciuolo, and Bastianich—returned, maintaining the show's rigorous yet entertaining tone focused on the contestants' growth and mishaps in the kitchen. Singer won the season, defeating singer in the finale on April 5, 2018, and subsequently donated her €50,000 prize to the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital. No additional seasons of Celebrity MasterChef Italia have been produced as of 2025, with the spin-off concluding after two installments that capitalized on appeal to draw viewers while raising awareness for charitable donations through the competition's proceeds.

MasterChef All Stars Italia

All Stars Italia is a special spin-off edition of the Italian cooking competition series, featuring returning contestants from previous seasons who compete in heightened culinary challenges designed to test their evolved skills and creativity. The season premiered on December 20, 2018, and concluded on January 10, 2019, airing over four episodes on Thursdays at 21:15 on Sky Uno. The format reunites 16 alumni selected as top performers or fan favorites from the first seven seasons, pitting them against intensified versions of classic MasterChef trials, including mystery boxes, invention tests, and team challenges in exotic locations like the Camargue in France. Unlike regular seasons, the competition emphasizes nostalgia and redemption, with contestants recreating signature dishes from their original runs and facing pressure tests inspired by past winners. The ultimate prize was €100,000, which the winner donated to the Liberamensa association supporting food aid for vulnerable families. The judging panel consisted of fixed judges Bruno Barbieri and Antonino Cannavacciuolo, joined by rotating guest judges for each episode: in the premiere, Antonia Klugmann in the second, Iginio Massari in the third, and in the finale. The series was hosted by Flavio Montrucchio, the longstanding presenter of MasterChef Italia, who guided the contestants through the high-stakes eliminations. The 16 contestants, drawn from seasons 1 through 7, brought diverse professional backgrounds ranging from personal chefs to restaurateurs. Below is a table summarizing the participants, their original seasons, ages at the time, and notable post-MasterChef pursuits:
ContestantOriginal SeasonAgeBackground and Post-Show Career
Danny D’Annibale138Personal chef specializing in events and private dinners.
Anna Lupi155Former ; runs vegan cooking experiences and travels for indigenous cuisines.
Maurizio Rosazza Prin239Runner-up; founded media company Chissenefood and hosts TV segments.
Ivan Iurato240Chef at Met restaurant-pizzeria in Ragusa.
Marika Elefante233Healthy specialist; authors Green Elephant and .
Daiana Cecconi259Owner of Divino Mangiare, focusing on Tuscan regional dishes.
Paola Galloni245Editor of Buono e Sano ; creates online cooking tutorials.
Almo Bibolotti344Runner-up; owns Il Fiko in alongside a hotel.
Michele Cannistraro340Known as "the Cannibal"; organizes events and teaches masterclasses.
Simone Finetti427 consultant; won Master of Pasta competition and advises eateries.
Alida Gotta528Runner-up; hosts international gastronomic events and pop-ups.
Maradona Youssef530 expert; co-owns Nazionale restaurant in .
Rubina Rovini535Event chef and instructor at Università dei Sapori.
Dario Baruffa531Owner of la Vecia Bera, blending Italian and Asian flavors.
Loredana Martori641Plans to open a Calabrian restaurant after relocating to .
Alberto Menino723Third place; hosts cooking show on Alice TV.
In the finale, Michele Cannistraro emerged as the winner, defeating runners-up Rubina Rovini and Simone Finetti in a menu creation challenge judged by Locatelli, with Cannistraro's innovative dishes earning unanimous praise for technique and flavor balance. As a one-off production, MasterChef All Stars Italia has not seen sequels as of 2025, serving primarily as a nostalgic celebration of the franchise's early talent and allowing viewers to revisit iconic moments from prior seasons without introducing new competitors.

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