IMO As much as i like our youngsters if neither Pirlo, Vidal or Marchisio can make it, we can't go with 3 Strikers. We'd be pulverized on counterattacks, it's suicide.
Holidays gave them a long enough chance to think of themselves as the best out there, too much confidence. Conte included. Mourinho, Maradona and many other 'respected' characters said really nice things about us over the holidays. This had a part to play too imo.