The Coca-Cola Pizza Village in Milan is one of the most popular pizza events in Italy: every edition gathers the best pizzaiolos around, featuring masterclasses, tastings, and comparisons between different styles and traditions. The 2025 edition was held at CityLife Park from September 2nd to 7th, and on Wednesday, September 3rd, Paolo De Simone of Modus held a sold-out masterclass together with Gino Sorbillo and Casa Caputo. For those who follow the Milanese pizza scene closely, it was the public confirmation of a journey built over thirty years.
What is the Coca-Cola Pizza Village in Milan?
The Coca-Cola Pizza Village is a traveling festival dedicated to Italian pizza: it originated in Naples and has expanded to several Italian cities, with the Milanese edition gaining its own identity over the years. The event gathers prominent pizzaiolos from all over Italy, offers pizza to the public, and organizes masterclasses and talks for professionals and enthusiasts.
It is a venue for the exchange of pizza styles, techniques, and philosophies. The masterclasses allow participants to follow pizzaiolos in their creative process, understanding their choices regarding dough, flours, toppings, and baking. In this context, the participation of Paolo De Simone made sense: a pizzaiolo who brings technique, history, a territory, and a supply chain to the festival.
Why was Paolo De Simone at the Pizza Village?
Paolo De Simone was invited to the Coca-Cola Pizza Village in Milan as one of the most representative pizzaiolos of the Milanese and national scene. His presence at the festival reflected recognition that arrived progressively: the Tre Spicchi from Gambero Rosso in the Pizzerie d'Italia guide and his appointment as Ambassador of the Mediterranean Diet in the World in November 2024.
The deeper reason is that De Simone brings something to an event like the Pizza Village that few others can offer: the complete traceability of the supply chain behind his pizza, with its geography, the names of the producers, and the stories of the territories. In a festival where dozens of pizzaiolos compare their work, this specificity stands out.
How was Paolo De Simone's masterclass at the Pizza Village?
Paolo De Simone's masterclass at the Coca-Cola Pizza Village in Milan was sold out. It took place on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, together with Gino Sorbillo and Casa Caputo (Mulino Caputo), and was aimed at both professionals and home pizza enthusiasts. Paolo De Simone presented a pizza with white figs from Cilento, culatello, buffalo stracciatella, and lemon.
The theme of the masterclass was the technique of artisanal pizza: the quality of the ingredients, respect for the natural fermentation times of the dough, and hand-crafted work. A concrete narrative of how a pizza is born when there is a real supply chain behind it.
Does Modus participate in other gastronomic events in Milan?
Yes. Over the years, Modus has participated in various events in the Milanese and national gastronomic calendar. De Simone's philosophy regarding events is selective: he participates when there is a high-quality context and when the participation allows for telling the story of the Cilento supply chain to a new audience.
Among the most recent appointments is Territori & Contaminazioni, the four-handed dinner on July 8, 2025, during Pizza Week Milano, with Paolo De Simone and Cesare Battisti of Ratanà, and dessert by Master Pastry Chef Giuseppe Manilia. To stay updated on Modus events, follow the brand's social media channels.
What other awards has Modus received in the pizza world?
In addition to his participation in the Pizza Village, the recognition of Modus and Paolo De Simone includes:
Tre Spicchi from Gambero Rosso in the Pizzerie d'Italia guide: the highest recognition from the most authoritative guide in the pizza sector in Italy. The Tre Spicchi indicate a pizza of excellence for quality of ingredients, technique, and consistency.
Ambassador of the Mediterranean Diet in the World: a title conferred on November 17, 2024, in Pioppi (Pollica) by the Living Museum of the Mediterranean Diet, the Municipality of Pollica, and Legambiente, for De Simone's contribution to promoting the Mediterranean Diet as a lifestyle and dietary model, through his work with Cilento producers and the traced supply chain.
The Modus pizza remains the same as always, with the same producers and the same doughs. The awards are external confirmation of work that continues regardless of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Coca-Cola Pizza Village held in Milan?
The Coca-Cola Pizza Village is held every year. The 2025 Milanese edition took place at CityLife Park from September 2nd to 7th. For the dates of future editions, consult the event's official website.
How do you participate in the Pizza Village masterclasses?
Tickets for Pizza Village masterclasses are usually purchased on the event's official website. The most popular masterclasses, such as Paolo De Simone's, sell out quickly.
Where are the Modus pizzerias in Milan?
The two Modus pizzerias are located at Via Andrea Maffei 12 and Corso Magenta 25, both in Milan.
Does Paolo De Simone organize pizza courses?
For information on courses and events organized directly by Modus, follow the official Modus Milano channels or contact the locations directly.
