Tardelli also achieved success with the Italian national team. He represented his nation at a total of three FIFA World Cups (1978, 1982 and 1986), winning the 1982 edition of the tournament. His goal celebration in the 1982 final – where he ran away shaking his fists, tears pouring down his face, screaming "Gol! Gol!" as he shook his head wildly – is regarded as one of the most iconic moments in World Cup history. He also took part at UEFA Euro 1980, in which he came fourth on home soil, and was named to the team of the tournament.