With the Italy U-20 side, Pezzella took part at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup, winning the bronze medal. The same year, he was also called up by the Italy U-21 manager Luigi Di Biagio for the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, following Nicola Murru's injury, although he did not appear in the tournament. Italy were eliminated by Spain in the semi-finals of the competition on 27 June, following a 3–1 defeat.