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...
5. Pervis Estupinan - 6/10
Was at fault for Wolves' first. Came flying out of position to make a tackle and was then caught out in behind. Does provide a decent threat down the left but lacks quality with the final pass. Always looks like he has a mistake or two in him. 6/10 Photo: Ryan Pierse
6. Moises Caicedo - 8/10
Ball winner. Simple passer. Runner. Bissouma who? Striking up a really formidable partnership with Mac Allister in the anchor roles, with their skillsets complimenting one another. A pleasure to watch them both in there dominating games. 8/10 Photo: Mike Hewitt
7. Alexis Mac Allister - 9/10
Impressive performance. Sets the tempo for Albion. Ball retention is second to none. Superb range of passing. Has the ability to go under the radar for how subtle his brilliance is. Links everything up in that anchor role. Constantly scanning the pitch for his next pass and knows exactly what he's going to do when he gets the ball. Went close with a coule of freekicks. 9/10 Photo: Mike Hewitt
8. Solly March - 7/10
Made some great attacking runs but fluffed his lines when it counted. He could have scored two on another day. Got the away fans going after winning a ball he had no right to win and then testing Jose Sa at the near post. His hard work is so important for the team, though. 7/10 Photo: Ryan Pierse