Asking a native Italian to name the best pizzeria in their country is like asking a Texan where to find the best barbecue in their state: the choice is so vast, and it's virtually impossible to establish a consensus.

Complicating matters in Italy is the fact that strong regional preferences often colour opinion further; there is great contention about which city or region makes the best pizza. This was recently underscored when, in anticipation of my plans to spend a weekend in Rome, I asked my tennis partner, Marco, where I could hunt down the best pizza.