So, I looked in my inbox (having not checked for a couple of days) and saw an email suggesting I go purchase tickets for Inter v Sampdoria.
This is strange, I thought to myself, noticing the email was in English, and that I also signed up to inter.it with my country of origin specified as the UK. How does one buy tickets online in advance from a foreign country when you need a fan card number to do so?
But, I thought, what the hell, let's take a look. I'll be in Milan during the home match against Chievo, and no doubt I'll be going, even if it's not exactly the kind of opposition one wants to watch a game against. Maybe this could be some useful research. I try the 2nd Tier Rosso, but to no avail. So, I decide to click on a random 2nd Tier Blue section, and two tickets available. I wait a few seconds.
Lo and behold, there is now an option to purchase advance tickets online without a fan card! Great news! Even though a league match against Chievo would take a miracle to sell out, I can still log on and get my tickets sorted before catching my flight to Malpensa earlier in the week. I can pop down to the Duomo when I feel I have the time, rather than having to go just to bundle buying tickets and merchandise at the same time.
I do wonder if it's more than just a coincidence that this feature comes to light as soon as Thohir takes over. I think the club is waking up and realising all the big teams around the world have made their fortunes because of fans abroad alongside their domestic support. Manchester United are universally hated in England, but loved in certain other parts of the world. Parts of the world with huge populations and ever growing disposable income.
Regardless, I'm happy Inter is finally drawing itself alongside other clubs, with a more sensible, international fan-friendly system. I will undoubtedly use this new feature in the future.