The Seagulls’ under-21s visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the semi-finals of the Premier League 2 title play-offs this evening (7pm).
Th hosts’ boss Wayne Burnett has joked De Zerbi has made their challenge harder.
Burnett said: “I look at Brighton and I think they have got some outstanding teams.
“If I am being honest, Roberto being there previously has probably accelerated them as a club.
“Whenever we play Brighton, it’s always an excellent football match because you know they have some excellent football players, but they are also excellently coached by the coaches there.
“They play very similar to how we play and it will be an interesting match-up. It will be intriguing to see how both teams go about overcoming the other team.
“It is certainly one we’re looking forward to and we’re under no illusions about how difficult the game will be.”
Albion eased past a strong West Ham side 3-0 in the quarter-finals having previously come from behind to win at Ipswich.
Seagulls boss Shannon Ruth said: “I think we've timed our form pretty well towards the back end of the season and we're looking forward to Friday.”
Both teams will relish the chance to play at arguably the most impressive stadium in the Prem.
Burnett said: “Are we pleased it is at the stadium? Yes, but I think it also gives the opposition a boost to play at such a wonderful stadium as ours.
“I think since the new stadium has been built, we haven’t been beat there which is a good thing, and it is certainly something we’re looking forward to and so should the players.”
Ruth will demand togetherness from his side and says senior head coach Fabian Hurzeler sets the example.
Ruth said: “Fabian mentions the word ‘togetherness’ a lot and I think it's our job also to help the young players realise the importance of the team,” Ruth said. “As a young player when you come through the academy, you only think about your journey.
“When you get to under-18s, under-21s and certainly the first team you've got to start to understand your part within the team and, if you want to be successful, you need to be successful as a group. We try and push that mantra too.”