Niko Kirwan started and played 90' in AC Mestre's 1st game of the season - a 1-1 draw vs Teramo (who equalized in the 94th minute for the record).
To be starting for a Serie C club is no mean feat, coming straight from the Handa Prem in my opinion. Hopefully he can establish himself as a regular starter for the club.
And he's more likely to grow as a footballer in Italy. Not disrespecting NZ, but he's more likely to be playing with old pros or young prospects and be part of a football culture there