Expressing Time in the Past

Is there any difference in meaning between:

Sono quattro anni che vivo in Italia

and

Vivo in Italia da quattro anni

The lesson says the sentences mean exactly the same thing in English, but there must be a slight difference in Italian, otherwise why do both forms exist?

Hi JackK15, 

Thanks for your question!

There is indeed a slight difference between the 2 sentences, although the overall meaning is the same. 

The first one emphasizes the length of time (4 years), while the second one emphasizes the location (Italy). 

Hope this helps :)