Questions about moving from US to Italy.?

I am planning on moving to Italy June 2012 after graduation from college with my B.S. I have been researching this and plan on calling the consulate this week, but I am wondering if anyone has ever done this and has any advice? My thoughts were to obtain a tourist visa for 90 days, then find work and obtain a work visa, then apply for my permesso di soggiorno (long stay permit). I want to live there for about 3-4 years. Thank you for all your help! :)