De Zerbi was hired during the international break after the departure of caretaker manager Igor Tudor, who lasted only a few weeks after succeeding Thomas Frank.
De Zerbi takes charge with seven games left this season, and with Spurs sitting a point above the drop zone.
There has been some debate over whether De Zerbi's style of play will suit a team fighting against relegation, but Hutton is confident the Italian will adjust his tactics where needed.
Speaking to Tribal Football on behalf of Betway, Hutton said: "I think it would be a risk if you tried to implement the whole thing instantly.
"Look, this guy, he's a clever guy, he knows what he's talking about, and you know what he wants and what he demands from his players. So, I think it will be. Can he simplify it? Can he get little nuggets of information to the players to get what he likes?
"I think that out of possession, in possession has to be much better.
"There's no doubt that they've got a talented squad, and injuries have had a massive part to play as well. But if he can get those key parts right, then I think they will get out of it.
"So it's all about the short term, winning games one game at a time. Sunderland is going to be very difficult, but if you can get everybody buying into it, then you give yourself a chance. You can see that he's very hands-on, he's enthusiastic, and in the training sessions, he's energetic.
"It's everything that you want to see; this is what players feed off of, so from what I've seen so far looks positive, but I can't imagine we will see the style of play that he actually wants.
"But he's signed for five years, so he's got time to implement that. I just don't think it will happen in a matter of weeks."
Benefits of Marseille stint
On whether De Zerbi's time with Olympique de Marseille will be of benefit in terms of working at a club the size of Tottenham, Hutton was again positive.
He stated, "I think it will definitely help being at a club of that stature. You look at the expectations of that club, the pressures that you're under to hit the heights, and the fans will let you know if you haven't.
"I was looking it up; he's got one of the best win rates in terms of Marseille managers. It's not quite worked out the way he'd want in terms of the Champions League, but he's had that experience as well.
"Then you look at Brighton, he knows the Premier League, he knows the demands of it, and he knows what Tottenham are like as a club. So, I think this all helps him transition and move into being the Spurs manager. Of course, there's going to be expectations of him getting out of this situation, but it's what he does after that.
"They see themselves as a top four, top five club. He needs to get them back there playing a certain way that the fans are happy with."