He made his debut on 25 September 1971 against Mexico. He was member of the Italian squads that took part in the 1974 FIFA World Cup, and also in the 1978 FIFA World Cup, where he wore the number 10 shirt as Italy finished in fourth place; Benetti scored a goal from outside the area in the first round of the tournament, in a 3–1 victory over Hungary.
He made his debut on September 25, 1971, against Mexico. He was part of the Italian teams that competed in both the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cups, wearing the number 10 jersey during the latter tournament where Italy finished fourth. Benetti scored a goal from outside the penalty area in the first round match against Hungary, which ended with a 3-1 victory for Italy.