Italian sausages are fresh pork sausages that include those in the style of northern Italy, which are sweet and mild, and sometimes flavored with garlic and fennel seed. Southern-style sausages, such as Neapolitan varieties, are often flavored with dried chili pepper flakes and tend to be hot. This is also a favorite pizza topping, generally sold in plump links. It must be well cooked before serving, and is suitable for frying, grilling or braising.