Eh? Pirlo is even more exposed in a 2 man mid. You gotta remember Gattuso in '06 was an absolute beast and could run for two men so Pirlo wasn't so exposed. The only reason Lippi changed from 4-3-1-2 to 4-4-1-1 was because Gilardino was sucking hard at the tournament. So Lippi just went for more attack from the wings with Perrotta and Camoranesi.
Gattuso was no X-man. Just a WC DM. And right now, when Marchisio and Vidal both press, it becomes a 1 man mid! I just can't see it working against big teams without more discipline from one of the other mids.
Anyway, the reason we have done so well so far this season IS because of our strong 3 man midfield. One shitty game against Roma doesnt change that.
The shape has varied a little, but Lazio?, Napoli, Bologna, Catania?, Roma games were average.
Maybe with a CB like Silva, we could get away with it. Anyway, i'm sure Conte will fix things.