Borgonovo's performances earned him three caps for Italy, all in 1989 – his debut coming on 22 February 1989, in a friendly with Denmark, which ended in a 1–0 victory to the Italians. He also helped the under-21 side to qualify for the upcoming European Championships during the 1985–86 season, earning three caps, and scoring a crucial goal against Sweden, although he was unable to take part in the finals, in which Italy finished runners-up to Spain, due to injury.