On 17 March 2013, Cerci was called up for the first time to the Italian senior team by Cesare Prandelli for a friendly against Brazil and a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Malta. He made his debut in the latter match on 21 March, replacing Andrea Pirlo in the 46th minute of a 2–2 draw with Brazil in Geneva. On 16 May 2013, he was included in the list of 31 provisional players ahead of the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, with his place confirmed in the final list submitted on 3 June. He made his only appearance in the competition on 16 June, in Italy's opening group match, a 2–1 win over Mexico at the Maracanã Stadium, coming on as a second–half substitute for Claudio Marchisio; Italy finished the tournament in third place.