1. Begin by combining the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Gently stir the mixture and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy and bubbly.

2. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add the flour and salt to the bowl. Using a wooden spoon, stir the ingredients together until a rough dough begins to form.

3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

5. Punch down the risen dough to release any excess air bubbles, then shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.

6. Cover the shaped dough with a clean cloth and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.

7. While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F. Place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack to create steam.

8. Just before baking, use a sharp knife to make a few slashes across the top of the loaf. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden-brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

9. Remove the freshly baked Crusty Italian Bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.