Dario Šits
Dario Šits is a Latvian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Spanish Primera Federación club Atlético Madrileño on loan from Italian club Parma, and the Latvia national team.
Club career
Born in Kuldīga, Šits started playing football at FK Metta, before joining Italian side Parma in 2020. Following his performances for the Under-17 and Primavera teams, the forward earned his first call-ups to the club's first team during the 2021–22 season, under head coach Giuseppe Iachini.On 2 March 2022, Šits made his professional debut for Parma, starting in a 1–1 Serie B draw against AC Monza. On 11 March, shortly after coming on as a substitute in a league match against Cittadella, the forward earned a penalty kick for his side, which was then missed by Juan Brunetta: the fixture ended in a 1–1 draw.
On 6 October of the same year, Šits extended his contract with Parma until 2026.
On 24 August 2023, Šits joined Serie C club SPAL on a season-long loan, with an option to buy in favor of the club and a buy-back clause in favor of Parma. He made his debut for the club on 2 September, starting in a 1–0 league win over Vis Pesaro: however, he suffered an ACL injury in the same game, thus being forced to enter long-term convalescence.
On 18 July 2024, Šits joined Dutch Eerste Divisie club Helmond Sport on a season-long loan deal, with an option to buy. He made his debut in the opening fixture of the season, starting in a 1–1 home draw against Jong Utrecht.
On 28 August 2025, Šits joined Spanish Primera Federación club Atlético Madrileño on a season-long loan deal, with an option to buy.
International career
Šits has represented Latvia at various youth international levels, having played for the under-17, under-19 and under-21 national teams.In October 2024, Dario Šits received his first call-up to the Latvia national football team for the matches against the Faroe Islands and North Macedonia.
On 10 October Dario Šits made his debut for the Latvia national football team in a UEFA Nations League match against North Macedonia, coming on as a substitute in the 17th minute to replace the injured Vladislavs Gutkovskis. This debut came immediately after Paolo Nicolato's first call-up.
In just his second match for the Latvia national team, Dario Šits scored his first goal for the team. Coming on as a substitute in the 66th minute, replacing Jānis Ikaunieks, by the 69th minute, after a fantastic cross from Andrejs Cigaņiks, Dario Šits scored with his first touch.