Two of these ships fought in World War II and both were sunk after the Italian capitulation to the Allies.

These ships formed the basis for most subsequent destroyers built by the Italians, but were disappointing in service with unreliable machinery.

The Sella-class destroyers were enlarged and improved versions of the preceding Palestro and Curtatone class.

[3] They carried enough fuel oil to give them a range of 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km; 4,100 mi) at a speed of 14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph).

They took part in the Italian retaking of Kastelorizo (named Operation Abstention by the British) on 27 February 1941, and were used as mother ships for the successful attack by explosive motor boats on HMS York on 25 March.