Twenty-two senators have thrown their names behind a bill which would establish a professional pizzaioli registry.

In order to obtain the statutory qualification, chefs would have to make it through a gruelling course involving practical training, food science and hygiene, and foreign language study.

On completion of the course, they would be awarded a diploma.

However, there would be exemptions for those who have already been in the business for a decade, or manage a team of four or more people, who would be automatically recognised as “master pizzaioli”.

Critics have accused the scheme of being too bureaucratic.