Like other obsolete Italian destroyers, they were reclassified as torpedo boats in 1929, and seven ships served throughout the Second World War.

The remaining three ships survived the war and continued in use with the post-war Italian Navy, with the last two of the class being decommissioned in 1958.

Following Italy's surrender on 8 September 1943, Germany captured two of the Pilo-class vessels.

These vessels were re-designated as torpedo boats and put into service with the Kriegsmarine.

TA22 was attacked by the all-African American fighter group, the Tuskegee Airmen, who put her out of action.