Learn Italian: Abbiamo grandi pretese; non possiamo paragonarlo a un requisito qualunque. - We have high demands; we cannot compare it to just any requirement.

Placing qualunque (or qualsiasi) after the noun adds a sense of emphatic indifference, translating to 'just any' or 'an ordinary' requirement. If placed before the noun (qualunque requisito), it would neutrally mean 'any requirement' without that dismissive tone. Notice that when it goes after the noun, you must use an indefinite article (un) before the noun.

Does pretese mean 'pretenses'?

No, pretesa is a classic false friend. In this context, it means a 'demand,' 'claim,' or 'expectation.' So grandi pretese means 'high demands.' If you wanted to say 'to pretend' in Italian, you would use the verb fingere.

Why is lo attached to the end of paragonare?

Because possiamo is a modal verb (we can), the second verb (paragonare) remains in its infinitive form. In Italian, object pronouns like lo (it) attach to the end of infinitives. You drop the final 'e' of the infinitive before adding the pronoun, turning paragonare into paragonarlo.

Why do we use the preposition a in paragonarlo a?