Pinato started his career at hometown club Monza. He entered into first team in summer 1985, after Monza's relegation to Serie B. He played 14 times during the 1985–86 season, and he later overtook the Alberto Torresin as the club's starting goalkeeper at the beginning of the 1986–87 season. During the 1987–88 season, his regular place was taken by Francesco Antonioli. He won promotion with club in the summer of 1988, and was personally given a chance to move to A.C. Milan, along with Antonioli; Monza acquired Giulio Nuciari in return. At Milan, Giovanni Galli was the regular starter, and Pinato only played twice that season, as Milan won the European Cup.