In the magical coastal setting of the Ecoresort Le Sirenè in Gallipoli, Sofia Viola was crowned Miss World Italy 2025 (Miss Mondo Italia), triumphing over 30 finalists from across the country. Representing Campania, the 21-year-old from Pozzuoli, a city and comune of the Metropolitan Naples, will go on to represent Italy at the 74th Miss World Festival, in 2027.

Sofia, who was previously titled Miss Campania 2023, was crowned by outgoing queen Lucrezia Mangilli, Miss World Italy 2024, who’s yet to represent her country at the 73rd Miss World Festival, next year. 

The podium was completed by Gloria Pelari from Lombardy (2nd place) and Elena Colizzi from Apulia (3rd). 

Sofia Viola is a determined young woman with a lifelong dream of becoming an actress. Currently studying acting in Rome and Naples with private coaches, she hopes to follow in the footsteps of her idol and namesake, Sophia Loren, an icon of Italian cinema and a fellow Neapolitan.

“I’ve been told I resemble Sophia Loren. To me, that’s the greatest compliment,” Sofia said. “My dream is to meet her and walk a path that honors her legacy, even if it’s a different time.”

At Miss World Italy, Sofia delivered a moving monologue titled “Perfection Doesn’t Exist”, reminding girls that beauty lies not in flawlessness but in authenticity and inner strength. “Every woman has her own beauty,” she said, “and it’s not just what you see, it’s what she carries inside.”

She also shared plans to present a monologue in English at Miss World, inspired by Filumena Marturano, showcasing both her talent and cultural roots. 

Athletic and passionate, Sofia finds inspiration in sports, especially volleyball, which she credits with teaching her teamwork and resilience. Her journey to Miss World began unexpectedly when her parents secretly enrolled her in the national contest, convinced of her potential. “They believe in me and they believed it would be a window to the entertainment business. I went in with no pressure,  just to live the experience,” she shared. Oscar winner Sophia Loren, one of Italy’s biggest star, participated in the Miss Italia contest in 1950. She won the “Miss Elegance” title and went on to become a star.

“Now, I’ll give everything to bring the Miss World crown home to Italy, and I mean it.”

Italy made its debut at Miss World in 1954 with Christina Fanton. The closest the country has come to winning the coveted Blue Crown was in 2000, when Giorgia Palmas finished as first runner-up to none other than Indian superstar Priyanka Chopra. More recently, in 2025, Chiara Esposito achieved Italy’s strongest performance in over a decade, securing a place in the Top 20, ranking among the Top 5 in Europe, and placing 3rd in the Talent competition thanks to a captivating classical ballet performance.

Congratulations to Sofia!