At international level, he represented Italy at the 1980 European Championship, and was also a member of the team that won the 1982 FIFA World Cup.

In that game he scored the winning goal but also required thirty stitches having been booted in the face by the A.C. Milan defender Mauro Tassotti.

[2] Oriali was called up to the Italy national football team for the first time on 21 December 1978, under manager Enzo Bearzot, in a friendly against Spain, quickly earning a starting spot.

Oriali appeared in five games at the tournament, including the victorious final against West Germany, which Italy won 3–1, to win their third FIFA World Cup.

[8] Oriali did not have the best technical ability, but he was a tenacious and hard-working player, who was both tactically intelligent, and versatile; this allowed him to play anywhere in midfield, and also in defence, mainly as a full-back.

In addition to his work-rate, energy, and defensive abilities as a ball-winner, he was also known for his reliable distribution, and for having a tendency to receive and play many balls during matches.

[1][9] He was also highly regarded for his positional sense, as well as his ability to interpret the game and time his attacking runs, which allowed him to contribute to his team's offensive play with occasional goals.