Changing the defense becomes a problem even if all 4 are world class players. They will need time to work on offside traps and develop mutual understanding. It takes time for that and I'm not sure if Bonucci-Caceres has been ever tried, even on training. On top of it we only have 2 days to prepare for this match.
The midfield will have to play a monster match and reduce the potential balls going Di Vaio's way. That man lives on escaping offside traps. He should have a field day against defenders who don't know each other and aren't top quality.
Is that what they're reporting? Is Conte that insistent on a back 3 that he will use players out of position at CB? We have Pepe, Vidal and Vucinic available. Has he written off the 4-3-3 forever?
Why not the - unimaginative, yes - back 4 of: Licht--Caceres--Bonucci--DC ?
If it's any consolation, it's a better group on an individual level than: Motta--Bonucci--Chiello--Grosso
And Bonucci has had plenty of playing time yet people would prefer he starts after causing us to drop 4 points in two games. Now with Barzagli & Chiellini both gone would still rather have him play.