I'm glad that Mancini opened up to the possibility of playing Sensi and Verratti together against certain opposition, because it would be a shame to bench either at this stage.
Benching Sensi is a good decision for Mancini and the Italian NT. Not necessarily that he is a bad player, but Verratti and Sensi are practically the same players, as they got the same charateristics. Jorginho, on the other hand, is unique. Absolutely fantastic midfielder, no one in the world can do what he does. I love seeing him in the regista role for Italy. Watching him makes me think that Mancini would rather have a midfield trio who is techincally gifted and would be able to dominate possesion + someone who can pop up with a goal, which they're currently lacking.
Anyway, if you start a midfield of Sensi - Jorginho - Verratti, there's no goals from the midfield nor an 'X factor player' in the final third. I think Jorginho could be the only one who can be considered somewhat of an 'X factor player', although he is far away from the final third ...so yes, Italy clearly lack that final third player.
If i were Mancini, i would go for a Verratti - Jorginho - Pellegrini midfield.
Bonaventura have the same charateristics as Pellegrini, so i wouldn't count that option out. Zaniolo as CM would be another option, but he does not look ready. Not even for the U21 side.
I would like to include Barella, but i think he's in the same boat as Sensi and Verratti. Barella may develop into something more of a 10 player, someone who attacks more, but i don't see it happening any time soon, especially not under someone like Conte.