Our problem is that no matter what formation we use, our midfielders cant carry the ball forward even if their lives depended on it. Emre is not good enough yet, khedira is not good and Betancur is still a work in progress. Pjanic as of late is only there to pass the ball to both fullbacks practically, so he will not impact the game much.
This summer i would not blame allegri for not requestiing a midfielder since we bought ronaldo and all the funds went there... but in past seasons we should have phased out khedira and go all out for WC midfielders.
Right now im not sure what formation Allegri can use, because no matter what u field.. the midfield is not working and this is putting so much pressure on whoever is in the attacking role, having to drop back so much. Last season this was an issue and still remains. In fact i think it was one of the reasons that Higuain wasnt even better...he had to drop back like a madman.