In the episode of 22 February 2024 di MasterChef Italy, the race recorded the elimination of one of the most loved competitors, narrowing the circle of competitors to just four aspiring chefs, even if only three will participate in the final. An important turning point that marks the path to the last episode of the program.
The winner of Masterchef 13
The other competitors in the final
Competitors eliminated:
- Chù, eliminated on December 27, 2023
- Fiorenza Pennacchio, eliminated on 27 December 2023
- Valeria Zullo, eliminated on January 4, 2024
- Nicolò Molinari eliminated on January 4, 2024
- Beatrice Belli eliminated on 11 January 2024
- Anna Pisano eliminated on January 11, 2024
- Andrea Sciamanna eliminated on January 19, 2024
- Alberto Pierobon eliminated on January 19, 2024
- Alice Scaffardi eliminated on January 25, 2024
- Lorenzo Silvidio eliminated on January 25, 2024
- Filippo Baldo eliminated on January 25, 2024
- Marcus Agerstroem eliminated February 1, 2024
- Settimino Difonzo eliminated on 8 February 2024
- Deborah Meloni eliminated on February 8, 2024
- Kassandra Galindo Rodriguez eliminated on February 15, 2024
- Niccolò Califano eliminated on February 22, 2024
- Sara Bellinzona eliminated on February 29, 2024
Who are the Masterchef 13 contestants competing
Eleonora Riso, winner of Masterchef 13
Eleonora Riso won the 2023/2024 edition of Masterchef. 27 yearsEx maid originally from Florence (FI). Born in a small town near Livorno, Eleonora is characterized by her unique personality, reflected in her always variable and colorful hair. After a period of harvest in France, chooses to return to Florence and live immersed in nature, buying a house in the woods.
Cooking represents one of his deepest passions, with predominantly vegetarian and vegan dishes that maintain a connection with seeds , enriched by intense flavors and varied spices. Eleonora describes herself as extremely creative, with interests ranging from art to music, from cinema to reading and drawing. Her participation in MasterChef is motivated by her love of challenges and the desire to do something truly original.
- Age: 27
- provenance: Florence, FI
- Profession: Waitress
Antonio Mazzola, reached the final
Antonio Mazzola, by 28 years, is originally from Hohenkirchen-Siegertsbrunn, near Munich, and works as geometry. His participation in MasterChef Italia 13 represents for him an opportunity for radical change in his life. Born in Palermo, at 19 he moved to Germany to build a future for himself. After numerous sacrifices, he achieves success in his profession.
His ambitious dream is to return to Sicilia, where he hopes to establish a prosperous future with his wife Mariagiovanna and daughter Anita. In the kitchen, Antonio is extremely self-critical, exploring innovative cooking techniques and decorating his dishes with foams and airs. He draws inspiration from various professional chefs, but his absolute model is Chef Cannavacciuolo, whom he deeply respects.
With a personality Determined and confident, Antonio is eager to demonstrate his skills, study new techniques and pursue his goal with determination.
- Age: 28
- provenance: Höhenkirchen-Siegertsbrunn (near Munich)
- Profession: Surveyor
Michela Morelli, reached the final
Michela Morelli, 45 years, originally from Eppan on the Wine Route (BZ), is one personal trainer and expert in nutrition. Michela, wife and mother of three children, began her fitness career in 2021. Despite a past characterized by family tensions, she was able to transform these challenges into strength, achieving her goals independently. Today, she maintains a good relationship with her parents and is committed to ensuring that her children do not experience the difficulties she experienced.
His passion for cooking begins since child, when he cooked and experimented with dishes for himself and his sisters. Determined to test herself, she participates in MasterChef to show off her culinary skills. Describing herself as cunning and competitive, Michela is ready to challenge her opponents with well-planned strategies, demonstrating her resilience and determination.
- Age: 45
- provenance: Appiano sulla Strada del Vino, BZ
- Profession: Personal trainer
Who are the 13 eliminated Masterchef contestants
Chù, eliminated on December 27, 2023
Henintsoa (Chu) Razanadrabe, of 22 years, is originally from Parma (PR) and study international economy. Born in Madagascar, Chù spent her childhood with her mother, Nivu, without ever meeting her biological father. Her life takes a turning point when Stefano, her mother's new boyfriend, takes her to Italy five years ago.
Chù's interest in cooking manifested itself from an early age. She fondly remembers Wednesday afternoons when she didn't go to school and played chiucunina with the others children, a sort of cooking game where he enjoyed cooking more than anyone else. Chù dreams of open a personal restaurant, combining traditional Italian flavors with exotic influences from Madagascar, known for its spicy dishes reminiscent of Asian and oriental cuisine.
Motivated and eager to grow and learn, Chù is eager to test her competitive skills, something she hopes to fully express in her participation in MasterChef.
- Age: 22
- provenance: Parma, PR
- Profession: International economics student
Fiorenza Pennacchio, eliminated on December 27, 2023
Fiorenza Pennacchio, 30 years, originally from Giugliano in Campania (NA), is a radiology technician known for her contagious smile. Raised in Naples, Fiorenza, affectionately called Fiorella, plays a crucial role in its radiology department, where she feels she is an irreplaceable element: "Without me they don't go forward".
Fiorenza considers herself a person ambitious, with the aspiration to achieve success more personally than professionally, believing that true triumph is earning respect and becoming an example for others. In daily life, she shows two sides of his character: Fiorenza's practicality and decision at work, and her emotional sweetness of Fiorella in her private life.
In the kitchen, Fiorenza loves to explore, experimenting with new flavors and ingredients without sticking to fixed recipes, preferring traditional but innovative cuisine. She finds serenity and peace in the kitchen and, in case she wins MasterChef, she dreams of open a restaurant in Barcelona, his favorite city.
- Age: 30
- provenance: Giugliano in Campania, NA
- Profession: Radiology technician
Valeria Zullo, eliminated on January 4, 2024
Valeria Zullo, 52 years, originally from Roma (RM), is one windsurfing champion e personal trainer. His life has always been intimately linked to the sea, with a path that began in swimming and then evolved into windsurfing at just 14 years old. Her passion and talent for this sport led her to win regattas and join the national team, obtaining four world titles and setting the European record in 2010 for the solo crossing Ustica-Mondello.
Parallel to her sporting career, Valeria graduated in law and began practicing law, before deciding to dedicate herself completely to sports. His personal life is enriched by the presence of Pippo and Pippa, two seagulls affectionate people waiting for her when she returns home.
His participation in MasterChef represents Valeria's desire to explore new horizons and adventures, different from the world of sport to which she has dedicated much of her life.
- Age: 52
- provenance: Rome, RM
- Profession: Windsurfing champion/Personal Trainer
Nicolò Molinari, eliminated on January 4, 2024
Nicolò Molinari, 19 years, student of giurisprudenza a Roma (RM), is a young man of Campania origins. He spent his childhood between Naples and Florence, but chose to move to Rome to pursue his academic dreams, with the determination to forge his own path.
Enthusiast fishery e sports, Nicolò approaches cooking inspired by his grandfather Vincenzo. Strongly linked to his Campania roots, he prefers dishes with intense and traditional flavours, but also expresses a keen interest in gourmet cuisine.
Nicolò's decision to participate in MasterChef was born from the desire to deepen his culinary passion, celebrating the flavors of his homeland and paying homage to one of the most influential figures of his life.
- Age: 19
- provenance: origins from Campania, lives in Rome
- Profession: Law student
Beatrice Belli, eliminated on 11 January 2024
Beatrice Belli, 19 years, is a young and dynamic girl from Roma, which stands out as basketball player at a competitive level. Outside of the field, Beatrice studies economics, but cooking is her great passion. From an early age, she developed a strong interest in cooking, frequently helping her parents in the kitchen.
Despite his attachment to traditional Roman cuisine, Beatrice did not limit herself to this: she explored both American cuisine and different cooking techniques, such as slow and low temperature cooking. Her participation in MasterChef represents a new challenge in her life, with the ambition of training in a starred restaurant.
- Age: 19
- provenance: Rome, RM
- Profession: Basketball player
Anna Pisano, eliminated on January 11, 2024
Anna Pisano, by 61 years, is a pharmacist from San Marco Argentano (CS). Characterized by an energetic and determined temperament, Anna sees Nduja, a typical Calabrian cured meat, as a real panacea. Very devoted to her work in the pharmacy, Anna is deeply rooted in the community of her town, where she is well known and appreciated by her fellow villagers.
His cuisine is a tribute to freshness and authenticity, using products such as eggs from his chickens and vegetables from his own garden. His dishes reflect the Calabrian culinary tradition, simple but exquisite, a legacy of the cuisine of her mother, Ortensia.
Despite some disagreements with the husband, who does not approve of all her choices, including participation in MasterChef, Anna, with a strong character, continues with determination in the projects she believes in. In addition to cooking, Anna cultivates a great passion for dance and dreams of one day dancing together with Chef Locatelli, whom she admires.
- Age: 61
- provenance: San Marco Argentano, CS
- Profession: Pharmacist
Andrea Sciamanna, eliminated on January 19
Andrea Sciamanna, 34 years, From Senigallia (AN) and stands out as sommelier and sales agent. His life is marked by a singular and touching family story. His father Goffredo, born in the Marche region and a plumbing expert, moved to China in the 80s for work, where he met Andrea's mother, Li. After the death of her father in 2000, the family moved to Senigallia, where her mother opened a Chinese restaurant.
Andrea spent his childhood mainly with his aunt Maria Celeste and grandmother Zema, a pillar of the family and a passionate traditional cook. Her educational journey is full of challenges, including failing grades and changing schools. She later discovers that she suffers from a neurocognitive disorder, DHD.
His dream is to work in food and wine, with a communication project focused on food and wine, to share on social media, ranging from street food to gourmet cuisine. Andrea, empathetic and sensitive, applies to MasterChef to realize a personal dream and pay homage to his friend Marco.
- Age: 34
- provenance: Senigallia, AN
- Profession: Sommelier/Commercial Agent
Alberto Pierobon, eliminated on January 19
Alberto Pierobon, by 33 years, is originally from San Martino di Lupari (PD) and currently holds the role of manager in a fish shop. Her professional trajectory began in the world of sport, but a summer experience as a waiter triggered her interest in the culinary art. This path led him to discover the enchantment of cooking, where he began to explore various flavors and techniques. Known for his meticulousness, Alberto prefers an orderly and clean aesthetic in his dishes, emphasizing an essential but intensely tasty presentation style.
Alberto is passionate about discover new gastronomic places and plans culinary trips with his wife Laura. His greatest aspiration is to open his own restaurant, naming it “L.A.”, a tribute to his and his wife's initials.
- Age: 33
- provenance: San Martino di Lupari, PD
- Profession: Fish shop manager
Alice Scaffardi, eliminated on January 25th
Alice Scaffardi, by 27 years, is a young graduate in Screenplay, Production and Marketing at La Sapienza University of Rome. Currently unemployed, Alice is searching for her own path in the world. Her predilection for cooking has its roots in her childhood, inspired by the culinary influence of her mother and grandmother. During her adolescence, she learned from them the foundations of traditional cuisine, which she today reinvents and personalizes with passion.
Alice cultivates a deep interest in the art and is dedicated to the creation of original collages, considering them a form of personal expression and therapy. She lives in Rome with her boyfriend Flavio, a crucial figure in her life, always present in moments of difficulty.
- Age: 27
- provenance: Rome, RM
- Profession: Unemployed
Lorenzo Silvidio, eliminated on January 25th
Lorenzo Silvidio, 21 years, From Torrevecchia Teatina (CH) and works as network marketers. Growing up in this quiet town near Pescara, Lorenzo faced difficulties during his childhood, in particular related to his physicality. After attending a chemistry school and working briefly in a laboratory, he decides to change his professional path, preferring to earn his own satisfaction independently.
Cooking plays an important role in his life, and when he has the opportunity, he dedicates time to experimenting with new recipes and dishes with friends. Lorenzo dreams of open a chain of restaurants with a unique format: a grocery store dwhere customers can choose the ingredients to be prepared by the chefs.
Despite his ambitious spirit, Lorenzo sometimes considers this quality a flaw, as he tends to expect too much of yourself, without giving himself the time necessary to achieve his goals.
- Age: 21
- provenance: Torrevecchia Teatina, CH
- Profession: Network Marketers
Filippo Baldo, eliminated on January 25th
Philip Baldo, 25 years, From Citadel (PD) and combines his training in architecture with the profession of ski instructor. Filippo defines himself as a sociable, ambitious and highly competitive person, with a strong inclination to test himself and never give up. His life philosophy is based on belief in one's own abilities and the constant pursuit of excellence, without ever compromising others.
The passion for cooking was passed on to him from father and intensified during lockdown. His cuisine combines simplicity and refinement, characterized by the use of various spices and the integration between Italian and Japanese culinary traditions. Filippo also dedicates himself to experimentation in the kitchen, venturing into molecular cuisine.
Pushed by his girlfriend Giulia, he decides to participate in MasterChef to challenge himself and grow: "It's an experience that can make me grow, you never stop learning."
- Age: 25
- provenance: Cittadella, PD
- Profession: Architecture student and ski instructor
Marcus Agerstroem, eliminated on February 1st
Marcus Agerstroem, 43 years, from Cherasco (CN), is a man of origins swedes who works like home. After finishing his studies at scientific high school and working as a salesman, Marcus decides to leave Sweden to follow his friend Enric to Barcelona, a trip that changes his life. Here he meets Giuliana, the love of his life, in a unique romantic story: "We were born on the same day, the same month, the same year twenty minutes apart", says Marcus. “We never left there.”
Focusing on love, Marcus puts his own on hold professional career. Find in kitchen a new direction, which leads him to sign up to MasterChef. For him, cooking has become more than just a duty; it's a passion which took shape from his youth, during the period of separation of his parents. Thanks to his experiences in various continents, Marcus has developed a talent for creating dishes with a unique mix of international flavours.
- Age: 43
- provenance: Cherasco, CN
- Profession: Homemade
Difonzo septet
Difonzo septet, 61 years, from Santeramo in Colle (BA), work as grocer. Born and raised in the same locality, Settimino has dedicated his life to the delicatessen counter, where he dispenses culinary advice to his customers, reflecting his great passion for the profession.
His passions focus around cooking. Settimino loves to explore Murgia, going in search of cardoncelli, wild asparagus and chicory, ingredients which are never missing from his dishes. His passion is the secret ingredient that makes every dish special.
In addition to cooking, Settimino has an excellent knowledge of languages foreign, considering himself a polyglot. It describes itself as a man from another time, friendly and sociable. With the support of his wife Camilla and his three sons, Tommaso, Francesco and Alessandro, he is ready to start this new adventure.
- Age: 61
- provenance: Santeramo in Colle, BA
- Profession: pizzicagnolo
Deborah Meloni
Deborah Meloni, 30 years, From Poggio Mirteto (RI) and work as team leader. She is an energetic and self-taught mom in the kitchen, where she has honed her culinary talents. For Deborah, the kitchen is the fulcrum of her life, a place of sharing with her children, the source of her greatest happiness.
He describes himself as an extremely determined person, always on the move and looking for new goals. She sees MasterChef as the perfect opportunity to demonstrate her worth and willpower, recalling her journey as a young mother at 18. Passionate about confectionery, loves experimenting with sugar paste and creating artistic cakes.
His participation in MasterChef is a symbol of his belief that, with commitment and inner strength, significant goals can be achieved.
- Age: 30
- provenance: Poggio Mirteto, RI
- Profession: team leader
Kassandra Galindo Rodriguez
Kassandra Galindo Rodriguez, 25 years, originally from Verla di Giolo (TN), is one barista with roots in Madrid. She moved to Italy at just 6 years old, following the separation of her parents. Today, she considers her mother's partner as her father. She lives with her boyfriend Mirco in Verla di Giolo, where she has been working in a bar for several years.
Kassandra's interest in cooking was born out of necessity, following work commitments that led her to prepare many meals. Her experience pushed her to cultivate her own culinary passion, experimenting more and more with ingredients and recipes. She is particularly attracted to spices, intense flavors and oriental cuisine.
Kassandra's decision to participate in MasterChef Italia is driven by the desire to test her skills and make her big dream come true: open a bar that also offers gourmet lunches.
- Age: 25
- provenance: Verla di Giolo, TN
- Profession: Equipment
Niccolo Califano
Niccolo Califano, 26 years, it's a recent medical graduate da Ravenna (RA). Initially raised in Germany, he moved to Italy at the age of 5 due to his parents' separation. Niccolò stands out for a rational and introspective approach to life, combined with an innate artistic talent. His passion for cooking came to life at university, influenced by his roommate Stefano, a student at Gualtiero Marchesi's school.
Niccolò, who loves traditional cuisine, does not shy away from experiment with new flavors and culinary techniques. Despite his recent medical degree, he is undecided between medical and culinary careers. Determined to take advantage of the opportunity offered by MasterChef, is ready to share his passion for cooking and to test yourself.
- Age: 26
- provenance: Ravenna, RA
- Profession: Recent medical graduate
Sara Bellinzona
Sara Bellinzona, 24 years, from Montalto Pavese (PV), work as employed. Of Pavia origins, Sara invested a lot in her educational path, following the family expectations linked to their winery. She attended chemistry school and completed the ONAV course for tasters, obtaining two degrees, one in Gastronomic Sciences and the other in Agri-food Business Management.
Currently employed in a chocolate manufacturing company, Sara cultivates the dream of opening a farmhouse or restaurant, where he can combine his entrepreneurial skills with his culinary passion. Cooking occupies a central place in his life, with a particular talent for pastry making.
Supported by her boyfriend Andrea, she faces the obstacle of shyness. His participation in MasterChef it is seen as a personal challenge and an opportunity to express and further develop his passion for cooking.
- Age: 24
- provenance: Montalto Pavese, PV
- Profession: Engaged
When MasterChef 13 airs
A culinary journey that airs every week! MasterChef Italy 13 awaits you every Thursday on Sky, until the 29 February 2024. An unmissable event for all lovers of cooking and competition, where you can witness the chefs' challenges, their victories and moments of tension. Don't miss the opportunity to follow this season full of surprises and culinary talent!
