Adam Lallana gave Brighton a 10th-minute lead when he curled in Leandro Trossard’s pass but Goncalo Guedes levelled two minutes later from close range.
Ruben Neves made it 2-1 from the spot after Lewis Dunk was ruled to have handled in the area.
The brilliant Kaoru Mitoma – who was man of the match – levelled for Brighton when he nodded in Lallana’s deep cross just before the break.
Nelson Semedo then received a straight red card after the Wolves defender was beaten for pace by Mitoma. He then grabbed the Albion man around the waist and pulled him down.
Mitoma would have had a clear goalscoring opportunity had he not been fouled.
They had to work hard for a victory but it was that man Pascal Gross who delivered once again for the Seagulls as he slotted home the winner with just seven minutes remaining.
It was a victory enjoyed by the travelling Seagulls fans and also De Zerbi who sprinted down the touchline in celebration.
Here’s Logan MacLeod’s player ratings from Molineux Stadium...
1. Robert Sanchez - 8/10
Decent afternoon for the Spaniard. Couldn't do too much about either of the Wolves goals, one being a close range effort and the other a well-struck penalty kick from Ruben Neves. Really good reaction save to deny Adama from close range. Came off his line and dealt with corners and freekicks well. Solid. 8/10 Photo: Mike Hewitt
2. Pascal Gross - 8/10
MATCH WINNER. Grabbed Albion all three points with his close range effort. Played as an attacking inverted full-back all game, like you see with Joao Cancelo at City, moving into midfield a lot and also making runs from deep in behind. Interesting to see if this will be his new role. Showed quality distribution when in advance positions. 8/10 Photo: Mike Hewitt
3. Adam Webster - 6/10
Mixed afternoon. Didn't put a foot wrong defensively but maybe could have showed more quality on the ball. Should have buried a header from a corner but got it all wrong. 6/10 Photo: Ryan Pierse
4. Lewis Dunk - 7/10
All round quality. Going forward he provided some really classy progressive passes into his attackers. Absolutely solid in defence, snuffing out multiple dangerous opportunities for Wolves. Unfortunate to give away a penalty after a very dubious VAR call. How was that a clear and obvious error from the referee? Bin it off. 7/10 Photo: Mike Hewitt