Cuadrado is so much more suited for a midfield role than Berna, so I dont understand the surprise. He is basically acting as our playmaker every time he plays. Plus he has the workrate and defensive contribution too, but most importantly, he can receive the ball under high pressure and pass really well, even better at that than our current midfielders. However with less experience and understanding of the movements, it is of course a bit risky too, to play Cuads, Berna or Cancelo in such a position. But against Spal we should be fine. Berna should play a more attacking role when he is ready.
Based on Allegris comments it sounds like the lineup could be?
------------Ronaldo - Mandzukic
Costa?
--- Bentancur - Pjanic - Cuadrado