He attended the Collegio Gallio in Como and joined the army of the Duchy of Parma, serving as a captain in the cavalry.

Captured at Ancona in 1799, he was released on his parole, and so missed the Battle of Marengo in 1800, but was recognised for his service in command of a division in the campaign in Tuscany in 1800 and 1801.

The 15th Division was assigned to the IV Corps, which was largely composed of Italian soldiers, and was commanded by the viceroy of Italy, Eugène de Beauharnais.

Although claimed as a French victory, in that the Russians withdraw from the field, the battle caused Napoleon to take the disastrous decision to retreat from Moscow along the same path as his army had advanced earlier that year.

Pino commanded forces in the defence of Italy in 1813, but was dismissed by the viceroy, Eugène de Beauharnais, with whom he had had disagreements in Russia.

Pino was named a member of the provisional government on 22 April, and nominated to command the forces of the Kingdom of Italy.