Crippa left Torino in the summer of 1988 to join Napoli. Playing behind Diego Maradona, who was at the peak of his abilities, Crippa joined a strong midfield that also included Alemão, Fernando De Napoli and Francesco Romano. In his first season with the club, Crippa helped Napoli to finish second in Serie A and to win the UEFA Cup, beating VfB Stuttgart in the final. He helped Napoli to fend off the challenge of A.C. Milan to win the Scudetto in the following season. He scored a goal as Napoli defeated Juventus 5–1 in the 1990 Supercoppa Italiana.