Crossword Genius

Spicy sausages go with Italian lager (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pepperoni

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'spicy sausages' is the definition.
I don't know anything about this answer so I cannot tell whether it can be defined by this definition.

'go with italian lager' is the wordplay.
'go' becomes 'pep' (I've seen this before).
'with' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'italian lager' becomes 'peroni'.
'pep'+'peroni'='PEPPERONI'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pepperoni that I've seen before include "Seasoned beef/pork sausage" , "what may be called a banger" , "Hard, spicy beef and pork sausage" , "Spicy salami" , "Spicy snacks" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app