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...
13. Denis Undav -
Subbed on late on. Not enough time to affect the game. N/A Photo: Catherine Ivill
14. Billy Gilmour
Not enough time to show his class. N/A Photo: Mike Hewitt