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...
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.
. WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 05: Adam Lallana of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates with teammates after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton & Hove Albion at Molineux on November 05, 2022 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Brighton and Hove Albion celebrate during their Premier League clash with Wolves at Molineux Stadium Photo: Ryan Pierse
. 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
. 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
9. Adam Lallana - 8/10
Looked bang up for it from the start playing as a second striker. Scored Albion's first with a sumptuous curling effort to Jose Sa's far post. Got the assist for Albion's second after twisting Ruben Neves inside out and then finding Mitoma at the back post with a pinpoint cross. Real silky player in tight spaces. Subbed off for Welbeck (64). 8/10 Photo: Ryan Pierse
10. Kaouru Mitoma - 10/10
MAN OF THE MATCH. Pure threat. Brings so much energy, pace and positivity to the team. Was a key part in all of Brighton's goals. Got the pre-assist for Lallana's goal. Got Nelson Semedo sent off after his flying run in behind. Scored Albion's second goal, heading Lallana's cross home. Then made the classic Mitoma mazy run to set Gross up for the winner. 10/10 Photo: Mike Hewitt
11. Leandro Trossard - 6/10
Mixed afternoon up front for the Belgian. Started really well, getting the assist for Lallana's goal and looking quite threatening. Was crowded out a lot by a compact Wolves unit however. Subbed off late on. 6/10 Photo: Bryn Lennon
12. Danny Welbeck - 6/10
25 mins to change the game. Made an instant impact as he raced in behind before being pulled to the ground. Was busy on and off the ball. Did make a few dodgy tackles which put Albion under pressure late on. 6/10 Photo: Mike Hewitt